Cop charged over Quindon Bacchus murder to stand trial
Police Lance Corporal Kristoff De Nobrega was committed to stand trial in the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder in relation to the shooting death of Quindon Bacchus, 23.
The committal was ordered on Tuesday by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, who presides over the Vigilance Magistrates’ Courts.
De Nobrega, 24, of Canal Dam, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown will stand trial before a judge and jury at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.
He remains on remand until then.
DEAD: Quindon Bacchus
His colleagues, Lance Corporal Thurston Simon and Sergeant Dameion McLennon are charged with obstructing the course of justice concerning the young man’s demise.
They are accused of giving Police investigators false statements in relation to what transpired on the day in question, June 10, 2022 at Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The three policemen have been interdicted as a result of the criminal proceedings.
According to a police statement, the incident occurred at 14:30 hours in the Haslington New Scheme neighbourhood.
Acting on prior intelligence, a part of policemen launched an operation aided by information provided by a 22-year-old construction worker.
This person directed the officers to Bacchus, a father of one, who was allegedly in possession of a handgun and intended to sell it to an undercover officer.
According to the police statement, the undercover cop, identified as Lance Corporal De Nobrega, negotiated with Bacchus, who then returned with the firearm.
However, when the exchange began, Bacchus allegedly fled south, firing a bullet at the officer in the way.
In response, the officer discharged his service weapon, causing Bacchus to purportedly receive gunshot wounds during the subsequent confrontation.
According to the police, Bacchus was discovered carrying a .380 pistol and a bullet. The police also discovered a .380 spent shell and two wasted 9mm ammunition at the location.
Bacchus later died as a result of his injuries while being treated at Georgetown Public Hospital. His cause of death was given as multiple gunshot wounds.
