22-year-old man remanded for Olato Sam’s murder

After Education Specialist Olato Sam was killed by a stray bullet two Fridays ago, a 22-year-old man has been charged with murder and made an appearance in court today.

Joshua Archer was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts. 

He was sent to jail on remand.

Joshua Archer

Archer has pending matters for possession of firearm and ammunition without a licence and possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The trials in those matters are scheduled to start on August 24.

Fifty-three-year-old Sam of South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown was shot and killed just around 00:30 hours on Friday, August 04, 2023.

Sam, the former Chief Education Officer who up to the time of his death served as an advisor to the Education Minister Priya Manickchand, met his demise while in the vicinity of the Gold Rush Bar at Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

BIG Smith News Watch was informed that shortly before the incident, Sam went to the Gold Rush Bar where he met three friends of his and they began to socialise.

A fight broke out between two males on the opposite side of the bar and two loud explosions suspected to be gunshots were heard, immediately after that, Sam was seen crumpling to the ground. 

He was picked up by one of his friends and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A gunshot wound was observed to his upper left side chest.

Following the shooting, the Police had arrested two men, both from Plaisance, ECD. Sam will be laid to rest on Friday.