Osafi Johnson, 32, and Randy Tafari, 25, from Ruimveldt, have pleaded guilty to the fatal attack that led to the death of 29-year-old Nicholas Layne, also known as “Daddy.” The men appeared before Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court to formally accept responsibility for the crime, which occurred four years ago.
The prosecution detailed the events of March 28, 2021, when Layne parked his bicycle near a snackette and joined a small gathering playing cards at the intersection of High and Hadfield Streets. Upon realizing his bicycle was missing, Layne began searching for it, heading towards Brickdam.
Around 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM, witnesses reported seeing Layne running back towards the group, being pursued by Johnson and Tafari, both armed with bladed weapons, along with a woman who was present during the incident. Eyewitnesses recounted Layne’s desperate pleas for help as he fled down High Street and into Leopold Street, where he eventually collapsed after being caught by his assailants.
The two men brutally assaulted Layne, inflicting multiple wounds before fleeing the scene. They attempted to flag down a passing vehicle but were unsuccessful, and police apprehended them shortly thereafter in Charlestown.
Layne was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Investigations included reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses, which captured critical moments leading up to and during the attack. A post-mortem examination revealed that Layne suffered 17 incised wounds, with the cause of death determined to be shock and severe blood loss from multiple injuries.
The court has adjourned the matter to March 16, 2026, to allow for the preparation of probation reports ahead of sentencing.
