Legal issues surrounding the admissibility of an alleged confession statement and efforts in securing defence attorneys emerged on Wednesday when the case involving four of the seven persons charged in relation to the deadly gas station explosion was called.
The case is being heard before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
During proceedings, the court was informed that attorney Mikel Puran, who is representing one of the accused, taxi driver Johnny Boodram, intends to challenge the admissibility of any alleged confession statement, whether written or recorded.
The magistrate indicated that documents submitted by Puran in relation to that challenge were received by the court.
Two other accused, Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo and Alexander Bettancourt also told the court they are seeking legal representation but have been unable to secure attorneys due to difficulties contacting family members in Venezuela.
The court was told that while one accused individual has been able to reach his wife, the other has not been able to contact his mother.
A prison officer advised that the Guyana Prison Service, through its Welfare Division, will continue to render assistance.
Statements were also laid over on behalf of the fourth accused, Krystal LaCruz, during the hearing.
The matter has been adjourned to February 4 for report.
Poedemo, the alleged mastermind of the attack; Bettancourt; Boodram and LaCruz are charged together in relation to the explosion which occurred at the Mobil Petrol Station on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown. The October 26, 2025 incident resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl.
A total of seven individuals were charged in connection with the bombing, which Police believe was a coordinated attack.
The remaining three accused – Guyanese nationals Wayne Correia, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Jennifer Rodriguez – face separate charges in different magisterial districts.
Authorities allege that Poedemo entered Guyana illegally from Venezuela, conducted surveillance at the gas station and placed an explosive device near the gas cylinder storage area before fleeing. The attack was widely condemned, with President Dr Irfaan Ali calling it a “vile assault” on the country.
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