Deonarine Dookhoo, also known as ‘Dinesh,’ was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday for the murder of his mother, Teshwattie Jaglall, committed in 2021. The sentencing took place at the Berbice High Court, presided over by Justice Sandil Kissoon.
Dookhoo was found guilty of killing Jaglall, affectionately known as ‘Babo,’ between June 30 and July 1, 2021, at their residence in Lot 4 Number 3 Village, West Coast Berbice. Reports indicate that Dookhoo had a history of alcohol use and would often become irritable when confronted by his mother about his drinking habits. On the night leading up to the incident, after consuming alcohol, Dookhoo allegedly assaulted his mother when she tried to reprimand him.
The court heard that Dookhoo attacked Jaglall with a cutlass, resulting in her death. In December 2025, he was convicted by a 12-member jury during the High Court trial.
During the sentencing hearing, Justice Kissoon noted that while murder is punishable by death under Guyanese law, the court must consider various factors when deciding appropriate sentences. These factors include the viciousness of the assault, the relationship between the offender and the victim, and the victim’s vulnerability.
Justice Kissoon emphasized that such offenses severely undermine family and community safety. Despite recognizing that Dookhoo had spent nearly four years on remand, the judge concluded that this did not diminish the severity of the crime committed.
Cicela Corbin represented the state, while Attorney Suriya Sabsook provided legal counsel for Dookhoo during the proceedings.
