‘Juvenile’ Charged For Murder of Mocha Businesswoman

September 4, 2025

19-Y-O Joshua Roach, a labourer of North East La Penitence Squatting Area, has been charged with the murder of Mocha businesswoman Desiree Hyman, who was gunned down on July 18 at First Street, Mocha, East Bank Demerara.

Dead: Desiree Hyman

Roach was arrested on August 19, 2025, and today appeared before Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court.

He was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to prison until October 14, 2025, when statements are expected to be presented.

Hyman’s killing had rocked the Mocha community, where the 42-year-old businesswoman was known for her entrepreneurial spirit and involvement in local affairs.

She was fatally shot outside her business in a brazen attack that sparked outrage and renewed concerns about gun violence.

In the days following her death, police launched an intensive probe that initially led to the arrest of Weedon Oudkerk, a 42-year-old taxi driver of Paradise, East Coast Demerara. Oudkerk was tracked down during an operation in Sophia on July 20.

He denied any involvement but was taken into custody as investigators pursued multiple leads.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing even as Roach faces the murder charge. Hyman’s relatives and residents of Mocha have continued to call for swift justice and stronger measures to address violent crime.