Police Sergeant Charged with the Murder of Ronaldo Peters

April 25 2025 – Police Sergeant Philbert Kendall has been formally charged with the murder of 25-year-old Ronaldo Peters, who was fatally shot on April 8, 2024, in Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

The charge follows an investigation into the incident, which was captured on CCTV footage.

The video reportedly shows Kendall discharging his firearm at Peters during an encounter, raising immediate public concern and calls for transparency. Peters was unarmed at the time of the shooting, according to preliminary findings.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage and demands for accountability from civil society and political leaders. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo publicly labeled the event as a “tragic and unacceptable loss of life” and called for the release of video evidence and a thorough investigation.

In response to the public outcry, the Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility, in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS), launched a comprehensive probe into the shooting.

The RSS, an intergovernmental regional security alliance, was brought in to ensure impartiality in the investigation.

The completed case file, which included statements, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage, was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The DPP recommended the murder charge based on the evidence presented.

Kendall appeared in court and has been remanded to prison pending further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated its commitment to justice and due process.

The investigation into the fatal shooting of Keon Fogenay, a separate case that occurred around the same period, also remains ongoing.