Attorney Sanjeev Datadin has stepped forward to represent 19-year-old Naderia James free of charge, saying he believes the Baramita teen has a credible case of self-defense in the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend, 20-year-old miner Kevin Smith.
James, who appeared virtually before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Port Kaituma Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, is charged with murder and has been remanded to prison.
Her next court appearance is on October 14, 2025.
During an interview with the News Room on Thursday, Datadin said he agreed to take the case after speaking directly with James on Wednesday. According to him, the young woman is not familiar with the court system, and he decided to support her.
Datadin revealed that James has no support from her immediate family and had asked for his assistance.
“She asked if I would help her, that she really needed assistance and I agreed to do it.
“I agree to help her in every way I can,” Datadin told the News Room.
Police reported that investigations revealed that on September 18, James returned to the wooden and plastic camp she shared with 20-year-old miner Kevin Smith at Baramita, North West District, after consuming alcohol.
Smith allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and struck James on the left shoulder and right hand. James reportedly retaliated by drawing a handmade knife from her waist and stabbing Smith once in the chest.
Smith stumbled out of the camp and collapsed in nearby bushes, where he was later pronounced dead.
While Datadin stressed that the incident appeared to be self-defense, he noted that James must still go through the legal process.
Once the trial commences, witnesses will testify, and the magistrate will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit James to stand trial in the High Court.
“It’s a difficult one, but from what she told me, I think it’s a fair case.
“She needs to be represented carefully, properly. I hope the process won’t be lengthy and that she will have a speedy trial,” Datadin said.
If the magistrate finds there is insufficient evidence, James will be freed. If committed, she will face a High Court trial before a judge and jury.
The post Datadin to represent Baramita teen charged with murder appeared first on News Room Guyana.
