“Smokey” found guilty of murdering Laing Avenue taxi driver

Freed: Howard Rambarose, Dead: Orin David, Guilty: Jermaine Jefford

Diamond, East Bank Demerara resident Jermaine Jefford was on Monday found guilty of the August 1, 2016 murder of Laing Avenue, Georgetown taxi driver Orin David.  The jury delivered a unanimous verdict following a trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Demerara.  Sentencing for Jefford called “Smokey” has been adjourned until June 9, 2021, for the presentation of a probation report.

Last Friday, Jefford’s co-accused Howard Rambarose called “Spleen” was acquitted of the taxi driver’s murder after the trial judge upheld a no-case submission made by his lawyer. Accordingly, the judge instructed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. As such, Rambarose was discharged and informed that he was free to go.

Jefford was represented by Senior Counsel Stanley Moore, while Rambarose was represented by Attorney-at-law George Thomas. State Counsel Lisa Cave appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

David aka “Malik” was gunned down in front of his Lot 89 Laing Avenue, Georgetown home in the presence of his reputed wife and other relatives. It was reported David had several confrontations with an Agricola, Greater Georgetown resident whom he had bailed out of jail.

The Agricola resident reportedly refused to return the bail money which was $150,000. On the day in question, David and the man were involved in a heated argument. It is alleged that the Agricola resident left David’s home and later returned with four other men.

One of the men came out of a car and shot David several times. David, 33, a father of one, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.