Widow, hitman get 68 years in jail for Herstelling block maker’s murder

Beverly Persaud, 52, and 27-year-old Oswald Yaw were on Tuesday sentenced to a total of 68 years’ imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh for the September 10, 2015 murder of her husband, Nathan Persaud.

Beverly Persaud, the mastermind behind the crime was sentenced to 29 years’ imprisonment. While Yaw, who she contracted to kill her husband was sentenced to 39 years’ in jail. They both become eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 20 years.

In passing sentence, Justice Singh said he believed that Beverly Persaud has come to grips with what she has done and has also expressed genuine remorse. According to the Judge, Yaw killed Nathan Persaud in the most gruesome manner.

The duo pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on September 10, 2015, at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, Yaw murdered Nathan Persaud pursuant to a financial arrangement by Beverly Persaud.

During a plea in mitigation, Attorney-at-law Rachael Bakker told the court that her client, Yaw was a vulnerable youth who was preyed upon by Beverly Persaud. Bakker pleaded with Justice Singh to temper justice with mercy given the fact that her client has no criminal record and has expressed genuine remorse for his actions.

Attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir who appeared on behalf of Beverly Persaud told the court that his client suffered years of abuse at the hands of her husband.

The lawyer said that his client cooperated with Police investigations and gave a caution statement admitting to the crime. Beverly Persaud told the court, “I am very sorry for my actions and I am hoping for forgiveness. May the soul of the deceased [Nathan Persaud] find eternal peace.”

“Please be merciful. I am begging you. Please gave me a chance so that I could go back home to my five-year-old child. I am not a bad person. I am begging you sir, please be merciful to me,” Yaw cried to Justice Singh.

Media reports are that Nathan Persaud, was found dead in his home. He had several stab wounds about his body. A brick and a hammer were found next to him leading Police to believe that they were the murder weapons.

In a caution statement to the Police, Yaw confessed that Beverly Persaud contracted him to kill her 48-year-old husband. He had told Police that the woman had given him a part of the money and promised to pay the balance in instalments.