Fisherman jailed for 12 years for Friendship Murder
Zibeon Williams, a 24-year-old fisherman, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Monday at the Demerara High Court for the December 2021 killing of 23-year-old Joshua Ferdinand.
Williams, a former resident of Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD), had previously pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter after initially being charged with murder.
Dead: Joshua Ferdinand
After weighing the evidence and submissions, Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul sentenced Williams to 12 years in prison, acknowledging his remorse, guilty plea, and efforts towards rehabilitation, while also considering the impact of his actions on Ferdinand’s family.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 20, 2021, at around 8:30 PM, at a shop in
Friendship where Williams was drinking alcohol.
An argument ensued between Williams and Ferdinand’s aunt, leading Ferdinand to intervene.
During the confrontation, Ferdinand pushed Williams into a nearby trench.
Williams then emerged from the trench, armed with a knife, and stabbed Ferdinand twice—once in the neck and once in the abdomen.
Ferdinand was declared dead upon arrival at Diamond Hospital.
In court, Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul heard statements from both the prosecution and defence.
In a victim impact statement, Ferdinand’s mother, described her son as loving, peaceful, and supportive.
She recounted the devastation her family felt, especially since the incident occurred just days before Christmas. She urged the court to impose a harsh sentence on Williams, expressing no mercy for the man who took her son’s life.
Reports presented during the sentencing hearing included testimony from a prison welfare officer, who spoke of Williams’ good behaviour while in custody and his participation in rehabilitation programmes, including anger management and other courses.
Prosecutor Padma Dubraj recommended a starting sentence of 25 years, emphasising the severity of the crime. She argued that the killing was violent and unjustified, noting that Williams had used a knife and failed to assist Ferdinand after the attack.
Dubraj highlighted the need for a deterrent sentence, given the circumstances of the crime.
In his plea for leniency, Williams apologised to Ferdinand’s family and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
His attorney, Ronald Bostwick, stressed Williams, cooperation with the legal process, his early guilty plea, and his expressed regret, urging the court to consider these factors in determining a sentence that would allow Williams to rehabilitate and eventually reintegrate into society.
