Duo found not guilty of 2016 New Year’s murder

(Photo: Dead- Dewaun Anthony Baksh; Rocky Lallu & Somar Shako)

After several days of trial, a 12-member mixed jury on Tuesday found two men not guilty of the 2016 New Year’s Day murder of 22-year-old Dewaun Anthony Baksh formerly of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

It was alleged that on January 1, 2016, at Greenwich Park, Region three, the men; Rocky Lallu, 32, and Somar Shako murdered Dewaun Baksh.

After more than two hours of deliberations, the jury found Lallu and Shako not guilty of the capital offence.

The men were also found unanimously not guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter. As such, they will be released from custody as soon as the prison processes their discharge.

Lallu was represented by counsel Ravindra Mohabir, while Shako was represented by Attorneys-at-law Konyo Sandiford, Narissa Leander and Sophia Findlay. State Counsel Latifah Elliott appeared for the prosecution.

In lending a word of advice to Lallu and Shako, trial Judge Jo Ann Barlow told them: “You are both very young men. You should see today as a blessing… as a new opportunity for you to make much of your life. Be remembered for the men that you turn out to be after leaving prison…”

Reports are that Baksh was stabbed to death during an altercation with a group of men at around 21:30 pm on January 1, 2016. He sustained injuries to his neck and other parts of his body along with a gaping wound to his left shoulder.

A post mortem examination revealed that the young man died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds.