Sister of ‘body dumping’ accident victim says accused, mom twice visited her home to offer compensation

By Michael Jordan

The sister of accident victim Reonol Williams is alleging that hit and run accused Daniel Melbourne and his mother have twice attempted to offer her compensation, even as the case is before the court.

Daniel Melbourne

Sylvie Williams told Big Smith News Watch that Melbourne, his mother, and a third individual came to her Enmore, East Coast Demerara home on May 16 and 17, 2023. She spoke to them at her gate.

She said that Melbourne and his mother offered financial assistance. Ms. Williams said she declined the offer.

But she said the accused, his mother and the other individual returned the following day and attempted to arrange a meeting with her and other family members to discuss compensation. Ms. Williams said that she again declined the offer and told them that the matter was in court.

Ms. Williams surmised that the accused and relatives knew her address because police ranks had picked Ms. Williams up at her home during the initial stages of the investigation. She said Melbourne’s mother was in the same vehicle that took them to the station.

After the two visits, Sylvie Williams, who reportedly made a note of the visits in a diary, said she attempted to give a written statement at the Cove and John Police Station.

 But she said a female rank told her “is a court matter” and did not take her statement.

“I am concerned for my safety. I do not want them visiting my home,” she said.

Reonol Williams, a labourer and father of two, was struck down on May 22, 2022, on the Enmore Public Road, ECD, allegedly by Melbourne’s car, PAB 2552.

Williams’ body was found more than two weeks later near a Coldingen, East Coast Demerara koker, while police found Melbourne’s car, minus licence plates, at Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

Melbourne, who was initially arrested and released on $30,000 station bail, was rearrested by ranks from the Major Crimes Unit.

In June, 2022, the Lot 53 Middle Street, Ann’s Grove, ECD accused appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court.

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving; failure to report an accident; failure to render assistance; failure to produce his vehicle for examination, giving false information to the police, and attempting to obstruct the course of justice.

Melbourne was initially remanded, then placed on $1M bail.

The case continued last June in the Cove and John Magistrates’ Court, but has been adjourned to October.