A West Coast Berbice man was on Tuesday sentenced to 35 years imprisonment for the murder of his mother, which occurred in 2021.
Deonarine Dookhoo, also known as ‘Dinesh’, appeared at the Berbice High Court with Justice Sandil Kissoon presiding over the case.
It is alleged that Dookhoo killed Teshwattie Jaglall, affectionately known as ‘Babo’, between June 30 and July 1, 2021, at her home in Lot 4 Number 3 Village, West Coast Berbice.
Reports indicate that Dookhoo had a history of alcohol use, and he would become irritated when his mother confronted him about his drinking. On the night before the incident, after having been drinking, he allegedly assaulted her when she attempted to reprimand him.
According to the information received, Dookhoo attacked his mother with a cutlass, leading to her death.
During the High Court trial in December 2025, Dookhoo, who was living with his two children and mother, was found guilty by a 12-member jury.
At the sentencing hearing, Justice Kissoon pointed out that, according to Guyana’s law, murder is punishable by death. However, when it comes to sentencing, courts must assess the severity of the crime based on established principles and similar cases.
Viciousness of the assault, the relationship between the offender and the victim, and the victim’s vulnerability were some of the aggravating factors Justice Kissoon emphasised.
Justice Kissoon expressed that such offenses fundamentally undermine family and social protection.
Although the court recognised that Dookhoo had already spent nearly four years in remand, Justice Kissoon concluded that the mitigating circumstances did not lessen the seriousness of the crime.
Cicela Corbin appeared on behalf of the state, while Attorney Suriya Sabsook represented Dookhoo.
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