Police Constable Sherwin Peters, accused of killing Essequibo Coast businessman Orin Boston, is set to learn his fate this week. His trial is currently underway at the Essequibo High Court, where the prosecution has called its final witness and closed its case. A summing up of the trial is scheduled for Tuesday, with a verdict expected on Wednesday.
Peters, a member of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, was committed to stand trial by Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court in 2022. Following a Preliminary Inquiry, Magistrate Sam determined that sufficient evidence existed for the charge of manslaughter to proceed before a judge and jury.
The indictable charge alleges that on September 15, 2021, at Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Peters shot and killed Boston. At his first court appearance, he was not required to plead. Reports indicate that around 4:00 AM on the day of the incident, Peters was conducting a police operation at Boston’s home in search of illegal substances. Boston, who was reportedly still in bed, was shot once in the chest with a high-caliber rifle. An autopsy confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.
In response to the shooting, residents on the Essequibo Coast held protests. Four months later, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, recommended that Peters be charged with manslaughter.
Fiona Boston, the wife of the deceased, expressed her hope for justice, stating that the past months have been challenging for her and their two children. “It took a long time, but I am glad that everything is coming to light… I just wanted to see this case concluded,” she said, highlighting her emotional journey since her husband’s death.
The community and the family await the verdict, hopeful for a resolution to this tragic case.
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