More than a month after he was charged and remanded, city businessman Marlan DaSilva awaits a preliminary inquiry (PI) into the brutal killing of his partner, Kenesha Vaughn.
The case was called on Monday morning before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.
During the hearing, the prosecution disclosed some of the statements in the matter. The case was adjourned to April 28 for further disclosure.
A preliminary inquiry is a judicial hearing, held in Magistrate’s court for serious offences such as murders. It is not a trial itself. Before a PI can commence, there is a procedure. This procedure includes the disclosure of statements taken from witnesses in the case.
Businessman charged with murder of young partner
In the case of Vaughn, all statements have not yet been disclosed to the court. Only when that is done can the PI commence. The next step would be for witnesses to testify before the court.
When all evidence is before the Court, the body is then tasked with determining whether there is sufficient evidence for the defendant, in this case, DaSilva to proceed to trial.
That trial is usually conducted in the High Court before a Judge.
DaSilva is accused of killing his partner on the evening of February 22 at their Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara house shortly after returning home.
Earlier in the day, DaSilva was imbibing and liming with a group of friends at a popular city spot. Whilst there Vaughn reportedly called him and asked that he come home; he became annoyed.
According to a Police report, DaSilva and Vaughn had an argument during which the businessman reportedly slapped her. In retaliation, Police said Vaughn reportedly reached for a knife and approached the suspect.
It was at this point that DaSilva pulled out his licensed firearm from the waist of his pants and discharged several rounds in Vaughn’s direction hitting her about the body. She immediately fell to the ground.
Police ranks were later contacted and Vaughn was taken to the Diamond Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment. The incident was captured on CCTV footage which has since been admitted as evidence.
DaSilva was charged with murder in keeping with legal advice obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The post Kenesha Vaughn case adjourned to April 28 appeared first on News Room Guyana.
