Venezuelan bomber seeks to take sole blame as terror case paused for DPP review
March 24 2026
A dramatic shift unfolded in the high-profile Regent Street explosion case on Monday after one of the accused signalled his intention to accept full responsibility, prompting prosecutors to halt proceedings and seek guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The matter was set to proceed to paper committal before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It was instead adjourned after Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo indicated—through a translator—that he was prepared to admit to the offence.
Poedemo, who is accused alongside three others of terrorism in connection with the deadly explosion at the Mobil Service Station at Regent and King Streets, told the court he alone was responsible for the incident and that the remaining accused should be released.
According to the translation relayed in court, he stated that he was willing to “admit to everything” and explained that he had been given materials by a Guyanese/Venezuelan individual and instructed where to place them.
He maintained that none of the other accused had any involvement and expressed a desire for a swift resolution so that “the innocent persons can be out.”
The unexpected development led Prosecutor Mandel Moore to advise that any such admission must be formally submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, for consideration.
Defence attorney Shellon Boyce, who represents Poedemo, told the court she would require two weeks to prepare the necessary proposal.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 20 for report.
Dead: Soraya Bourne
The case stems from the October 26, 2025 explosion that rocked central Georgetown, killing six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injuring several members of her family, including Jenica Hooper, Yvonne Jonas, Seddia McIntosh, and 11-year-old Reshard Lord.
The blast also caused extensive damage to nearby buildings and vehicles and has been described by authorities as one of the most serious national security incidents in recent years.
Poedemo is charged jointly with Venezuelan nationals Johnny Boodram and Alexander Bettencourt, along with Guyanese Krystal LaCruz.
All four face terrorism charges in relation to the explosion. Authorities allege that Poedemo entered Guyana on the day of the attack carrying an explosive device in two black plastic bags, which later detonated at the gas station.
He also faces a separate charge alleging that he detonated the device with intent to threaten national security and instill public fear, resulting in the child’s death.
The case had been poised to enter the paper committal stage, a key phase in indictable matters where a magistrate determines whether sufficient evidence exists to send the accused to stand trial in the High Court.
That process followed the completion of disclosure by the prosecution, including witness statements, forensic evidence, and electronic data, with some samples sent overseas for advanced testing.
Meanwhile, three additional accused—Jennifer Rodriguez, Wayne Correia, and Ramesh Pramdeo—are before the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on related charges of aiding and abetting.
All seven accused remain on remand as the legal process continues, with the state maintaining that it will seek the death penalty under Guyana’s anti-terrorism laws if convictions are secured.
