Magistrate Discharges Murder Charge Against Housewife: Police Urged to Rebuild Case.

Magistrate Discharges Murder Charge Against Housewife: Police Urged to Rebuild Case.

Magistrate Discharges Murder Charge Against Housewife: Police Urged to Rebuild Case.

In a recent ruling, Magistrate Renita Singh of the Berbice Magistrates’ Court has discharged the murder charge against Leila Bacchus, a forty-two-year-old housewife from Timmers Dam, Mount Sinai, also known as Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Bacchus was initially charged with the murder of her reputed husband, Andy Junor, also known as “Bull,” on May 29, 2023.

Magistrate Singh based her decision on the police’s failure to provide a complete case file for the accused. The court had been informed that the file was incomplete, awaiting the autopsy report and toxicology report. Subsequently, when the file was returned to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the prosecution failed to provide information on its readiness to proceed with the matter.

In light of these circumstances, Magistrate Singh ruled that when the police are prepared, they can refile charges against Bacchus. Consequently, the woman was set free during the recent court proceeding.

The initial police reports in May 2023 indicated that arrangements were being made to bury Junor, citing poisoning as the cause of death. Neighbours allegedly witnessed Bacchus disposing of a suspected poisonous substance in a drain. The woman and another relative had reported to the Central Police Station that Junor had ingested a poisonous substance, leading to his death at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

It was alleged that Bacchus gave her husband the poisonous substance after he caught her video chatting with another man. The investigation revealed that Bacchus did not follow normal protocols, prompting further inquiry. During questioning, she confessed to giving him the poison, citing marital issues related to infidelity.

The Berbice Magistrates’ Court ruling emphasizes the importance of thorough case preparation by law enforcement agencies, and it signals that the police can refile charges if and when they are ready to proceed with a complete case.

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