Final accused in Paul Rodney’s murder walks free.

Calvin Johnson, the final accused in the 2016 murder of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident Paul Rodney, was acquitted by a jury on Monday.

Johnson, called “Gun Butt” of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown had been on trial before Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon and a mixed 12-member jury for the capital offence.

He was accused of murdering Rodney, 31, on November 21, 2016.

Deceased- Paul Rodney

At the close of the prosecution’s case, the trial Judge determined that no prima case was established to call upon Johnson to lead a defence. As such, Justice Kissoon directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused.

Johnson was previously charged with robbery under-arms.

Just last week, 29-year-old Joshua Meredith, who is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for manslaughter, was sentenced to life imprisonment for Rodney’s killing.

Accused-Joshua Meredith

Initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, the convict opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter while his trial was in progress. The Judge accepted the guilty plea on the basis that provocation was established on the face of the evidence before the court.

Meredith becomes eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years. From the 30 years, a 10-year deduction was given for his early guilty plea. He was not credited for time spent on remand.

Based on reports, Rodney was gunned down in full view of his friend while returning home from a dance held in his community. He was shot four times about his body including once to his chest and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he subsequently died.

This publication understands that Rodney and the suspects were involved in an argument at a dance held at Avocado Avenue, West Ruimveldt which later led to an altercation.

He reportedly attempted to escape but was pursued and shot.

His assailants reportedly made good their escape on a CG motorcycle.

Meanwhile, in December 2020, Meredith was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the October 2, 2016 killing of 21-year-old Gregory Garraway. In this case, too, he was indicted for the capital offence of murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

That custodial sentence was imposed by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

According to the facts, on the day in question, Garraway, who was wearing two gold chains around his neck, was at Wings and Things Bar on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

Garraway of Charlestown, Georgetown had gone into the bar to place an order.

As he was crossing the street to pick up the said order, Meredith, who was armed with a gun, snatched his chains, and fired a shot at him.

Meredith was subsequently pointed out at an ID parade by Garraway’s brother. At the time of the robbery, Garraway’s brother was standing about five feet away from him.

An autopsy revealed that Garraway sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and died as a result of septic shock.

 At age 15, Meredith was charged and convicted of robbery. But given his tender age, the court fined him $20, 000 and placed him on a bond to keep the peace. 

Residents in the East Ruimveldt, Georgetown community where Meredith grew up described him as a “notorious criminal”.