Court frees Essequibo woman in manslaughter trial
February 16 2026
A High Court jury in Suddie has acquitted Radha Sukwah of the charge that she unlawfully caused the death of her partner, bringing to an end a case that has lingered in the justice system for more than six years.
Sukwah, a 56-year-old domestic worker from Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo, had been on trial for the manslaughter of 73-year-old Deonarine, popularly known as “Russian,” who lived at Grant Maria’s Delight, Lower Pomeroon River.
The matter was heard before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln, with Special Prosecutor Bernard DaSilva appearing for the State and attorney-at-law Mikel Puran representing the accused.
At the close of the prosecution’s presentation, Justice Corbin-Lincoln ruled that the evidence led in the case was insufficient to justify continuing the trial.
She therefore directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.
Sukwah was first charged in August 2018 when she appeared before the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.
At that time, police had detained her along with three other individuals following the fatal shooting of Deonarine.
The three others, who were employees of the deceased, were later released after investigations failed to link them to the offence.
Evidence before the court showed that Deonarine sustained a single gunshot wound to his abdomen during the incident.
He was taken to the Charity Hospital for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Over the years, the case progressed slowly through the court system, eventually reaching the High Court for trial.
However, after reviewing the prosecution’s evidence, the presiding judge concluded that it did not meet the legal standard required to prove the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.
With the jury’s unanimous verdict, Sukwah was formally discharged and allowed to walk free from the courtroom.
Justice Corbin-Lincoln reminded the jury that their decision must be based solely on the evidence presented, and in this instance, the State had failed to establish a case strong enough to sustain the charge of manslaughter.
