Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Murder of ‘Beach Clothes’

Elroy Withrite, known as ‘Eddie,’ has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for the brutal 2019 murder of his neighbour, 43-year-old Andrew Drakes, also called ‘Beach Clothes.’

The sentence was handed down on Wednesday by Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Demerara High Court. The court ordered that Withrite’s time in pre-trial detention be deducted from his sentence.

The 25-year-old man had pleaded guilty to the murder charge in September 2024, acknowledging his role in the attack that devastated the community of Farm, East Bank Essequibo.

Dead: Andrew Drakes

The murder occurred on June 8, 2019, following a heated altercation between the two men the day prior. Drakes, a father of three, was attacked on Pump Station Street while sitting outside his yard. Witnesses reported hearing screams before discovering Drakes lying face down in a pool of blood.

He had sustained eight deep chop wounds, which a post-mortem later confirmed were the cause of death due to haemorrhage and shock.

Disturbingly, the attack unfolded in front of Drakes’ five-year-old child.

Withrite was apprehended at the scene, still holding a cutlass. During his confession to police, he claimed the attack was in retaliation for an alleged sexual assault by Drakes the previous day.

The sentencing, initially scheduled for September 17, 2024, was postponed to allow for a psychiatric evaluation, which confirmed Withrite’s fitness to proceed.

His mental health report was considered during the hearing. Attorney-at-Law Kezia Williams represented Withrite, while State Counsel Alvaro Ramotar prosecuted the case.

Justice Isaacs-Marcus underscored the severity of the crime, particularly the emotional toll on Drakes’ family, including his child who witnessed the gruesome event.

However, the judge also weighed mitigating factors, including Withrite’s guilty plea, his clean prior criminal record, youthful age, and good character.

As part of the sentencing, the judge directed that Withrite receive therapy for substance abuse and participate in academic or vocational programmes to aid his rehabilitation.

In addition, counselling was ordered for Drakes’ family, with special attention given to his young child who endured the trauma of witnessing the attack.