Killer brothers opt for manslaughter plea
The High Court yesterday accepted a guilty plea of manslaughter from two brothers and their cousin who were indicted for murder.
The accused, Ragib, 28, and Asif Ali, 26, and David Jacobs, who were all charged with the February 5, 2006 murder of Rameshwar Persaud, called Ramesh, had been committed to stand trial for murder. The matter has been adjourned to March 20 for a probation report. Two witnesses are to be called for character evidence.
When the matter was called on Tuesday, one of the jurors was absent and was said to be hospitalized, having fallen ill over the weekend. The prosecution informed the court that malaria is suspected but typhoid cannot be ruled out.
The juror was also unable to attend court yesterday.
The matter is being heard by Justice Winston Patterson. State Prosecutor is Kara Duff-Yehudah. Attorney-at-law Hukumchand is representing Ragib Ali, Kamini Pariag is representing Jacobs and Sonia Pariag is appearing for Asif Ali.
