Money and girl murder PI is nearing completion
Overall catch: Mark Rufino.
Kaieteur News – The Preliminary Investigation (PI) into the murder of Better Hope money changer Aaron Latchman and his 18-year-old daughter, Arianna Latchman, is expected to be completed soon.
The matter continued yesterday at Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Alisha George and the next hearing is scheduled for April 14, 2021. The first month it was reported that the prosecution was expected to call its last six witnesses to testify. With that process almost complete, the prosecution is expected to close its case in the near future.
The five persons charged with the double murder are: Mark Rufino named ‘Mark,’ 25, a laborer, of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo; Paul Chan called ‘Long Hair’ or ‘Anthony,’ 37, conductor, of 10 Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Troy Abrams called ‘Troy’ or ‘Rasta Man,’ 44, seller, of 34 Middle Street, Agricola, Demerara East Bank; Lloyd Sadloo, 37, self-employed, of 220 Mocha Arcadia, Demerara East Bank; and Sean Thomas named ‘Yankee,’ 41, electrician, of 59 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
Dying: Arianna Latchman.
Dying: Aaron Latchman.
At the defendants’ first court appearance, they were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which claimed, on July 4, 2019, at Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, that they murdered the money changer and his daughter at during theft.
According to the facts of the allegation, on the day in question, Aaron Latchman arrived home about 15:15 o’clock. and he was trying to park his car in his yard, when two men struck a gun. One of the gunmen reportedly went into the house and shot a Latchman girl. Then the other attacked the father. The two men got into stuff, which led to a bag in a neighbor’s yard.
The gunman, who had shot Latchman’s daughter, then left the house and came to the aid of his assistant, also shooting Latchman. After Latchman fell to the ground, the assailants seized a bag of cash and fled. The men escaped a gun in a car. The money changer and his daughter were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were both pronounced dead on arrival. The matter was reported and an investigation launched. The five accused were later arrested and then jointly charged with murder.
Kaieteur News had reported that while on remand at Lusignan Prison, Rufino escaped during October last year and is yet to be apprehended.