One acquitted, Three to face trial over gas station bombing 

November 12 2026

Three Venezuelan nationals, including the alleged mastermind behind the deadly October 2025 bombing at the Mobil Gas Station, have been committed to stand trial in the High Court, while a fourth accused has been acquitted.

Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty committed Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Alexander Bettencourt and Krystal LaCruz following paper committal proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

However, Johnny Boodram was discharged after the magistrate upheld a no-case submission made on his behalf and now walks free.

The decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case, which stems from the October 26, 2025 bombing at the Mobil Gas Station shortly after 7 p.m. The explosion killed six-year-old Soraya Bourne and sparked widespread panic across the country.

Ramirez Poedemo had previously admitted responsibility for the bombing, telling the court in March that he alone was responsible for the deadly attack. That admission had raised questions about the prosecution of the three other Venezuelan nationals jointly charged with him.

However, during a subsequent hearing, Ramirez Poedemo withdrew his guilty plea after the court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions intended to proceed with terrorism charges against all four accused.

He told the court that his decision to withdraw the plea was prompted by the DPP’s move to continue proceedings against Bettencourt, Boodram and LaCruz.

With the latest ruling, Ramirez Poedemo, Bettencourt and LaCruz will face trial in the High Court, while Boodram has been cleared of the charges.