Soesdyke children murder… Court rules father fit to stand trial

Murder accused John Blanchard

Magistrate Leslie Sobers yesterday ruled that murder accused John Blanchard, the father charged with killing his three children, is fit to stand trial. The matter was called at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.
Psychiatrist Dr. Bhiro Harry took the stand where he gave an evaluation on his findings on Blanchard. Dr. Harry having given his assessment to the court was cross examined by Blanchard’s lawyer Ms. Oneka Archer-Calder.
The magistrate’s ruling means that a Preliminary Inquiry will be conducted and this will commence on July 30 at the Providence Court.
On October 11, 2011, Blanchard was detained for the chopping of his three young children causing the death of two of the minors. Belika Blanchard and her five-year-old brother Daniel Blanchard died instantly after reportedly being attacked by their father. Six-year-old Joy Blanchard subsequently succumbed to her injuries.
The family resided at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, and according to persons, at the time of the incident, the children’s mother had left for the interior where she sought a better job. It is alleged that the chopping incident stemmed from a phone conversation Blanchard allegedly had with the woman moments before.
Blanchard who sold clothing to sustain his family had reportedly been experiencing difficulty with his companion. The two had allegedly spilt up with the woman leaving the children behind. It was indicated that Blanchard had sought the support of his younger sister on the night of the incident. She claimed that Blanchard had tried to contact her but was unable to do so.
The death of the children had sparked nationwide interest and outrage. Blanchard was attacked twice while in police custody. The man had been beaten severely by fellow inmates who sought to teach the alleged “child murderer” a lesson.