‘Rayle’ acquitted of 2016 child rape case

February 16 2025

A mixed jury at the Berbice Assizes has returned a verdict of not guilty in the rape case involving Dexter Philadelphia, also known as “Deter Clarke” or “Rayle.”

The trial was heard before Justice Deborah Kumar, who directed the jury on their duty to carefully assess the evidence before determining the accused’s guilt or innocence.

Philadelphia had been indicted on a charge alleging that on August 6, 2016, he engaged in sexual penetration with a 12-year-old child.

He had denied the allegation from the outset and was represented by attorney-at-law Kevin Morgan of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic.

During the proceedings, the State, led by Prosecutor Marisa Edwards, presented its case and called several witnesses, including police officers, in support of the charge.

However, after considering all the evidence presented, the jury found that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

As a result, Philadelphia was acquitted and discharged by the court. The verdict brought an end to the matter, which had remained before the court for several years.