Leon Duncan, who is currently on trial for the murder of businessman Imtiaz Roopnarine, who was fatally shot during the course of a robbery at Cool Square bar, will tomorrow know his fate when the jury is expected to deliver its verdict.
Duncan also known as “Whistle” of Willemstaad Road, Festival City, North Ruimveldt Georgetown is on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for a charge, which stated that on January 24, 2013 at the Cool Square Hotel in Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt Georgetown, he murdered Roopnarine during the course of a robbery.
The deceased was said to be wearing several pieces of expensive jewellery at the time, and after being shot, the 47-year-old businessman ran to the back of the hotel where he collapsed and died.
According to reports, he had been preparing to leave the hotel moments before the incident. The perpetrator had reportedly escaped with a gold-and-diamond chain worth $500,000, one gold band worth $700,000, and other jewellery, all to a total value of $2,200,000.
The State is being represented by Prosecutors Stacey Goodings, Tuanna Hardy and Orinthia Schmidt, and the Defendant is being represented by Attorney Mark Waldron.
On Friday, after a no-case submission by the defence was overruled by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry the defendant was called to lead his case. The defendant opted to give an unsworn testimony from the prisoner’s dock where he vehemently maintained his innocence.
He admitted to being at the hotel that night, telling the Court that he and a female friend, whose name he gave as Tiana, rented a room there after a party. He denied shooting the deceased, saying “I am innocent of this crime. I did not kill the deceased, nor did I rob the deceased”. Tomorrow, the summary will be held and the jury will deliberate on the verdict.
