Big Smith News Watch Reports | A minibus driver, Travis Gordon Benjamin, is currently standing trial in the Georgetown High Court, facing charges related to the death of passenger Vanessa Bishop. Legal proceedings began under Justice Gino Persaud as the prosecution presented medical and video evidence linked to the case.
During the trial, two medical professionals, including Government Pathologist Dr. Nehul Singh, testified about the injuries sustained by Bishop. The doctors indicated that the trauma could result from various scenarios, including an assault, a vehicular impact, or a fall from a considerable height.
The prosecution also introduced four video recordings purportedly showing a yellow minibus traveling from Soesdyke Junction through the B and E Field, Sophia route, allegedly operated by Benjamin. However, during cross-examination by defense attorney Candice Nelson, a police officer who retrieved the footage admitted that the recordings did not clearly identify the driver. He further stated he could not confirm how many passengers were on board at the time.
The court learned that Bishop and Benjamin were strangers prior to the incident. Investigators claim that on the night of September 25, 2020, Bishop boarded the minibus after finishing work in Peter’s Hall at around 10:00 p.m. The prosecution asserts that she never disembarked, contradicting earlier statements made by Benjamin.
Two days later, on September 27, Bishop was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in a confused and disoriented state, with multiple injuries. Despite receiving medical care, she succumbed to her injuries soon after.
Following this, Benjamin was arrested and charged with murder. He was initially brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the former Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan informed him of the indictable charge. He was remanded to custody pending proceedings in the High Court.
The trial is set to continue this week, as the case unfolds before the judge and jury.
