Justice Gino Persaud on Thursday upheld a no-case submission in the matter involving Police Lance Corporal Kristoff De Nobrega, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of Quindon Bacchus in June 2022.
De Nobrega, 24, represented by attorney George Thomas, had pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering 23-year-old Bacchus, who was shot dead on June 10, 2022, at Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
After the prosecution closed its case, the defence filed a no-case submission, contending that the evidence presented was insufficient to sustain a conviction.
After upholding the no-case submission, the judge instructed the jury to deliver a formal not-guilty verdict, thereby clearing De Nobrega of the accusation.
The police had claimed that Bacchus was going to sell an undercover officer an unlicensed firearm and after he revealed himself as a police rank, Bacchus started to flee and, in the process, discharged several rounds at the police.
The police further claimed that they subsequently returned fire, fatally hitting him. However, investigations revealed that there was no authorised police operation in that area and no Police Commander was aware of such.
Further, examination of the firearm allegedly recovered at the scene revealed that the gun which the police claimed Bacchus used to shoot at them was inoperable and could not have been fired by the deceased. There is also no civilian witness who saw Bacchus fire at the police.
As a result of the incident and subsequent investigation by the police, several ranks were allegedly placed under close arrest. One of those officers, De Nobrega, was charged with the offence of murder and has been on trial in the High Court.
Meanwhile, the mother of Bacchus filed an action against the State for the unlawful killing of her son. This action was filed by Dexter Todd and Associates Law Firm. The State first defended the action, denying liability for the killing and claiming that Bacchus died during an authorised Police undercover operation.
However, by letter dated July 24, 2024, the Office of the Attorney General wrote the Attorneys for Bacchus mother, as well as the Judge, indicating that the State has accepted liability for the brutal shooting and requested that the court decide on the quantum of damages to be granted to the estate of the deceased.
Earlier this year, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that the State will be paying $24 million compensation for the unlawful of Bacchus.
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