Murder charge for cousin who shot Policeman in head

A murder has been instituted against 27-year-old Linden businessman Fawazz McRae over the shooting death of his cousin, Police Sergeant Jermain Semple.

McRae, a building contractor of Lot 1231 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared for a second time on Wednesday before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

He is accused of murdering Sergeant Semple between March 12 and 17.

The murder accused, who was initially charged with attempted murder after his cousin was hospitalised on life support, was remanded to prison until April 14.

After Sergeant Semple’s death, the charge against him was upgraded to the capital offence of murder following advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Sergeant Semple of 106 Semple Street, Hope Town, West Coast Berbice was stationed at the Police Force’s Tactical Services Unit.

He was shot at close range in his head by McRae during a fight on Sunday, March 12.

After the incident, the injured Policeman had been on life support and he died on March 17 without regaining consciousness at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

It was previously reported that on the day in question, Sergeant Semple and his brother got into a fight while they were imbibing at Crown and Anchor Grill and Bar in the mining town.

McRae attempted to make peace by parting the brothers. As a result, a fight broke out between Sergeant Semple and McRae, and during that fight, McRae, a licensed firearm holder, whipped out his .32 pistol and discharged two rounds in the direction of the cop.

Sergeant Semple was struck in the head and fell to the ground. He was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was treated and subsequently transferred to the city hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

When Police visited the crime scene, they recovered two .32 spent shells. Following the shooting, McRae was arrested and his firearm was seized and lodged at the Police station.