Refusing to accept three state-assigned lawyers that were sent to the prison to speak with him, murder accused Gavin Graham was this morning granted until Wednesday, April 24, 2019, to retain a lawyer of his choice.
This morning, Graham, who is accused of murdering his ex-lover, Tabola Abrams, 39, and her stepfather, Clifford Sampson, 68, appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown. The 51-year-old’s trial for the murders was scheduled to commence today. However, he requested three months to have his relatives accumulate enough funds to hire a lawyer since, from all indications, he was not pleased with the lawyers sent by the state to consult with him. One of the lawyers sent to meet with him at the prison was also present in court this morning.
Justice Singh, however, told the murder accused that the court was not mindful of granting such a lengthy adjournment in the case. In this regard, the Judge told Graham that a jury will be empanelled for his case next week Wednesday, whether or not he has retained the services of his desired lawyer.
Graham is accused of the January 3, 2015 murders of Abrams and Clifford which is said to have occurred at a house at Lot 636 ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. According to reports, Graham became annoyed after Abrams ended their relationship, and in turn, doused her home in gasoline before setting it on fire.
Sampson, the woman’s stepfather, was also an occupant of the premises. It is reported that Abrams’ paramour was also injured during the blaze which completely destroyed the house in which almost a dozen persons lived.
Graham reportedly fled to Linden after committing the act, but was later handed over to the police by his mother.
