Guyana: Alleged Mobil Gas Station Bombing Mastermind Changes Position in Case

In a recent development in the case surrounding the Mobil gas station bombing, the individual identified as the mastermind has reversed his earlier decision to plead guilty. This change occurred during a court appearance on Wednesday, where Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo informed the court that he would no longer enter a formal plea.

Initially, Poedemo had confessed to orchestrating the bombing that took place on October 26, 2025, at the Mobil fuel station located on Regent and King Streets. His defense team had previously indicated that he was willing to take full responsibility for the attack, which resulted in the tragic death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several others injured.

During earlier hearings, Poedemo had sought to protect his co-defendants by claiming sole responsibility for the bombing. He had urged the judiciary to dismiss charges against his associates, suggesting that his guilty plea was contingent upon their release. However, the situation changed when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided to proceed with full criminal trials against all defendants involved.

Upon learning that his confession would not prevent prosecution for his co-defendants, Poedemo withdrew his cooperative stance. He remains jointly indicted on charges of murder, terrorism, and conspiracy alongside three co-defendants: Alexander Bettencourt, Johnny Boodram, and Krystal La Cruz.

Earlier in the proceedings, two other individuals, Ramesh Pramdeo and Wayne Correia, were released after their defense attorneys successfully argued that there was insufficient evidence linking them to the bombing.

The explosion caused significant damage to commercial properties in downtown Georgetown and prompted a national security response. The Ministry of Home Affairs indicated that the state would seek the maximum penalties under counter-terrorism laws. Due to the involvement of foreign nationals, international partners were consulted during the investigation.

The court has adjourned the matter to June 8, 2026, when formal committal proceedings will begin to assess whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial in the High Court of Supreme Judicature.

Source: hgptv.com