Man to stand trial for killing father-in-law who saved a girl from abuse

Murder Accused: George Vansluytman

George Vansluytman, a 36-year-old boat captain, was committed Tuesday to stand trial before a jury for the murder of his 67-year-old father-in-law, Dennis Welcome.

He is expected to appear before a Judge and jury at the next sitting of the Demerara Assize Court after the Police have presented sufficient evidence to the court during the Preliminary Investigation (DP).

The matter was more or less heard by Magistrate Dylon Bess at Port Kaituma Police Station, North West Region (NWD).

Vansluytman was initially charged with murdering his father-in-law when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He was not required to plead to the indictment that allegedly murdered Dennis Welcome on July 28 at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, NWD.

The suspect was not represented and was detained in prison. The matter was subsequently transferred to Matthew’s Ridge Magistrates’ Court where DP had commenced.

Vansluytman, on the day in question, around 03:00 hrs, was reported to be on a drinking binge and returned home very drunk. While at home, he threatened to kill his wife by putting a spoon to her neck.

However, the woman’s father, who lives across the river, overheard the argument between the couple and went to inquire. He probably intervened and stayed with his daughter until daybreak.

Nevertheless, at about 06:30 hrs the next day, Welcome boarded his canoe and was returning home when his son-in-law drove another boat powered by an outboard engine and crashed into it.

The man fell into the river and disappeared. His lifeless body was later removed.

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