Trial of man accused of killing ex-girlfriend aborted

The trial of a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend has been aborted after it was discovered that a witness in the matter was related to one of the jurors.

Lurick Fiffee, 43, of Westminister, West Bank Demerara (WBD) is accused of murdering 32-year-old mother of two, Rosemary Rudder on March 31, 2018.

Upon his arraignment last week before Demerara High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramall, Fiffee pleaded not guilty to the charge for the capital offence.

His trial commenced on Monday before a mixed 12-member jury.

However, on Tuesday, one of the jurors informed the court that he is a relative of one of the prosecution’s witnesses and as a result, might be unable to be impartial.

As such, in the interest of justice, Justice Morris-Ramlall aborted the trial, discharged the jury and further remanded Fiffee to prison to await a new trial.

Rudder, 32, of Old Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD, was found dead after being involved in a heated argument with Fiffee at his home.

Police reported that at around 22:30h on the day in question, Rudder visited Fiffee’s home where she was greeted by the man, who was in the company of another woman. An argument then broke out between Rudder and her ex.

This led to a scuffle. According to reports, Fiffee left the woman lying motionless on the ground and went to make a report at the Police Station.

When the Police arrived, Rudder was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her cause of death was given as compression to the neck consistent with choking and blunt trauma to the head. Based on reports, after the couple had separated, Rudder wanted to reconcile, but Fiffee had no longer wanted to be with her.

Rosemary Rudder’s brother, Fenton Rudder, grandmother Hannah Cameron and another man, David Brummel were shot and killed when gunmen invaded their Agricola, Greater Georgetown home in 2006.