Paper committal to begin March 10 in deadly gas station bombing case

February 5 2026

Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty has ruled that paper committal proceedings will commence on March 10, 2026, in the terrorism case arising from the deadly October 26, 2025 bombing at the Mobil gas station on Regent Street, Georgetown.

The ruling was made on Tuesday when the case against four of the seven accused — Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Alexander Bettencourt, Jhonny Boodram and Kystal LaCruz — continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The four individuals have been charged with terrorism offences arising from the explosion that killed six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injured several other persons.

Three other suspects charged in relation to the same incident are before another Magistrate in separate proceedings.

During Tuesday’s hearing, attorneys representing Boodram and LaCruz applied for the matter to be heard in a hybrid format, which would allow for limited oral proceedings, including the cross-examination of key witnesses.

Attorney Kiswana Jefford, who represents LaCruz, told the court that the defence team had hoped to challenge aspects of the prosecution’s case through cross-examination and was prepared to submit a list of witnesses within three days.

Attorney Mikel Puran, appearing for Boodram, similarly requested one week to provide a list of witnesses the defence intended to call.

However, Police Prosecutor Mandel Moore objected to the application, reminding the court that he had applied as far back as December 16, 2024, for the matter to proceed by way of paper committal.

Moore cited the Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act, which does not permit the calling or cross-examination of witnesses and limits the proceedings to written statements and documentary evidence.

In agreeing with the prosecution, Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty ruled that the case would proceed strictly by paper committal.

Under the paper committal process, the Magistrate will review witness statements, exhibits, and other documentary evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the accused to be committed to stand trial in the High Court.

The charges stem from a powerful explosion that rocked the Mobil gas station on Regent Street on the evening of October 26, 2025.

The blast caused extensive damage to the facility and nearby vehicles and sent shockwaves throughout the capital.

The explosion resulted in the death of a young child who was at the location at the time of the blast. Several other persons were also injured and treated at hospital for varying injuries.

Following the incident, police launched a major investigation and later determined that the explosion was the result of a deliberate act, leading to terrorism charges being laid against seven persons — both Guyanese and Venezuelan nationals.

Investigators relied on CCTV footage, forensic analysis, and other intelligence as part of the probe, which authorities have described as complex and far-reaching.

With the commencement of paper committal proceedings in March, the court will assess whether the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient to warrant a High Court trial. No oral evidence will be heard during this stage of the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the related terrorism case involving two Guyanese men and their Venezuelan co-accused is continuing separately at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court.