Logger Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Cousin
February 12 2025 – Twenty-nine-year-old logger Marlon La Rose has been sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 30 years for the 2021 killing of his cousin, 24-year-old Kevin Hercules of Wiruni, Upper Demerara River.
The sentence was handed down on Monday by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court. La Rose was initially indicted for murder but was found guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter following jury deliberations in December 2024.
Kevin Hercules
The case stemmed from an incident between September 12 and 13, 2021. According to reports, Hercules was last seen alive drinking with friends at a shop before leaving in a boat.
His body was discovered floating in the Berbice River on September 14, 2021, bearing severe facial injuries and a wound to the neck, suggesting foul play.
During the trial, State Counsel Alvaro Ramotar and State Counsel Delon Fraser presented compelling evidence linking La Rose to the crime. The prosecution detailed the circumstances surrounding Hercules’ death, highlighting inconsistencies in La Rose’s account of events.
La Rose, who hails from Maria Henrietta, Upper Berbice River, was represented by attorney Ronald Bostwick.
The trial concluded on December 16, 2024, when Justice Kissoon summarized the evidence for the jury before they deliberated.
Before imposing the life sentence, Justice Kissoon considered probation and prison reports, victim impact statements, and both aggravating and mitigating factors.
La Rose will only be eligible for parole after serving 30 years in prison.
