Craig man admits to 2015 killings, attempted murder
Kaieteur News – Orpheus Johnson, a former Craig East Bank Demerara resident, has admitted killing two people and wounding two others.
Confessed Killer: Orpheus Johnson.
According to the first indictment presented to Johnson before Justice Sandil Kissoon at Georgetown High Court earlier this week, on June 21, 2015, he illegally killed Travis Rudder and on the same day dropped a loaded gun at Bowanza Gill and 18-month-old Jaheal Rudder with intent to murder them.
According to reports, the shooting happened in Republic Park, Demerara East Bank. Rudder, his wife and son were awakened by shotgun shots at their home in Republic Park. Rudder was shot 21 times for his body while his wife, Gill, was shot to her legs. Their infant son, Jaheal, was shot to his stomach and leg. Rudder was rushed to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Johnson, who initially faced a murder charge in relation to the incident, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The accused also pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter for the murder of Gladstone George. According to that allegation, on April 22, 2015, the victim was a passenger in a minibus. When the bus stopped at Agricola, Demerara East Bank, Johnson came up to the window and fired several rounds at George who was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Johnson was arrested and placed on an ID parade where he was positively distracted by an eyewitness. Johnson gave a verbal statement to police admitting to the crime. Following his admission to the offense, Justice Kissoon adjourned the case for sentencing on May 3, 2021. On that date, the Court is expected to receive a probation report on Johnson’s life leading to his part in the crime.