20-year-old John McKenzie, was today handed a 14 years prison sentence for the 2018 murder of “Buckmam,” who was stabbed to death on Leopold Street, Georgetown.
McKenzie of 102 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown appeared before High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine- Beharry and admitted that on November 17, 2018, he murdered “Buckman.” McKenzie was also charged with a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old – of Gafoors Compound, East Bank Demerara, and of Cross Street, Georgetown, for the crime.
According to media reports, the now dead man, who is only known as “Buckman,” lived as a vagrant and frequented the Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust area in Georgetown, where he met his demise after a reported argument over drugs.
Reports are that the dead man, who is around 45 years old, was stabbed multiple times in an alleged row over drugs.
It was pointed out that the confessed killer supposedly became annoyed after “Buckman,” and a few others stopped buying drugs from them.
The man died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
During today’s hearing, a report compiled by a Probation Officer revealed that McKenzie lost parental guidance at the age of 1. This was coupled with him being taken out of school at a very young age.
According to the officer, the confessed killer was recognised as a good person by neighbours and former co-workers. He had worked as a Patient Attendant at GPHC.
An apologetic and remorseful McKenzie told the court, “I am sorry for breaking the law,” as he begged for leniency.
In arriving at an appropriate sentence, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry considered an early plea along with the aggravating and mitigating factors and sentenced McKenzie to 14 years behind bars.
