A jury on Tuesday found 39-year-old Keno Lampkin — also known as “Cuz” or “Coues” (alias Keno Lumpkin) of Central Amelia’s Ward, McKenzie — guilty of manslaughter in the death of 41-year-old Kevin Seraphin. The 12-member jury unanimously acquitted Lampkin of the murder charge but returned an 11–1 majority verdict on the lesser offence of manslaughter after nearly five hours of deliberation.
The incident occurred on August 23, 2023, at a party in Speightland, Lower Kara Kara, McKenzie, Linden (Region 10). Evidence at trial described an altercation that began after Seraphin’s girlfriend was slapped; Seraphin reportedly struck a man with a bottle, and a broader confrontation involving several men ensued. Eyewitnesses said Seraphin stabbed one man with a bottle and was subsequently attacked by members of a group who threw bottles, wood and other objects, forcing him into a culvert. Witnesses alleged Lampkin entered the culvert armed with a knife and stabbed Seraphin. The injured man managed to run out but collapsed and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem by Dr. Nehaul Singh on August 24, 2023, found a fatal stab wound to the chest causing perforation of the heart and lung among multiple injuries.
Lampkin was arrested on September 14, 2023; he denied the killing when cautioned. He was identified in an identification parade on September 16 and charged on September 18. A prima facie case led to his committal to stand trial. The trial was heard by Chief Justice Navindra Singh. Prosecution was led by State Counsel Geneva Wills, assisted by State Counsel Christopher Belfield, while Lampkin was represented by attorney George Thomas. The defence argued Lampkin was not present at the scene and may have helped transport an injured person to hospital and also challenged the identification evidence. Lampkin later gave an unsworn dock statement admitting he was present but denying involvement, a change from the earlier defence position.
Lampkin was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter (11–1 majority verdict). He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 20.
