Hgp Nightly News Reports | Magistrate Dylon Bess has committed Marlon Da Silva to stand trial for the murder of his wife, Kenesha Juman Vaughn, during the next sitting of the assizes. The incident occurred on February 23, 2025.
At the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry, defense attorneys urged the court to consider a manslaughter charge instead, arguing that the evidence indicated provocation, which would negate the intent required for a murder conviction. The defense referred to Da Silva’s unsworn statement and video footage, claiming the incident was the result of a sudden confrontation without any cooling-off period.
They further highlighted Caribbean case law, asserting that a manslaughter charge is valid when provocation and excessive force are factors unless clear intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm is established. The defense also argued that there is no duty to retreat under Guyanese law, urging the court either to discharge Da Silva on self-defense grounds or to commit him only for manslaughter.
However, Magistrate Bess ruled that critical issues such as the number of shots fired, the reasonableness of Da Silva’s response, and whether provocation was present are matters that should be determined by a jury. As a result, he committed Da Silva on a murder charge.
Da Silva is represented by attorneys Glenn Hanoman, Sanjeev Datadin, and Everton Singh-Lammy, while prosecutors Kiswana Jefford and Nigel Hughes represented the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case will now proceed to trial as the legal proceedings continue.
