Businessman Granted Bail on Manslaughter Charge Over Fatal Shooting of Police Officer 

October 27 2025

37-Y-O Robert Hoosein, a businessman of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, was today charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of Police Lance Corporal Richard Marvin Hayes, which occurred last Thursday during an argument at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling.

The accused, who operates a cellphone stall at the stelling, appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, where the charge was read to him.

He was granted bail in the sum of $1 million and is expected to return to court at a later date.

According to police reports, Hayes, 35, of Lot 13 School Street, Vreed-en-Hoop, and attached to the Impact Base at Brickdam Police Station, had visited the businessman’s stall the previous day to inquire about purchasing cellphones. He reportedly returned the following morning to complete the transaction.

An argument ensued between the two men, during which Hayes allegedly threw a cellphone heater gun at the businessman, striking him in the chest. The suspect then reportedly drew his licensed .32 Taurus pistol and discharged a single round, hitting Hayes in the right side of his chest.

Hayes was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital by his brother, who operates a nearby barbershop, but succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Police subsequently seized the suspect’s firearm and license, and he was processed for gunshot residue testing as part of the investigation. Reports indicate that Hayes was in partial uniform at the time of the incident.