Guyana: Prosecution Nears Completion in Mobil Service Station Bombing Case

The paper committal proceedings in the October 2025 Mobil Service Station bombing are approaching their final stages. The prosecution is anticipated to complete its evidence presentation when the matter resumes next week. During a hearing on Thursday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, it was indicated that only a small portion of the prosecution’s case remains to be presented. The magistrate expressed hope that the proceedings could be completed by next Wednesday, July 8, at 1:30 p.m.

The proceedings are part of a paper committal, where the magistrate reviews documentary, forensic, and digital evidence to determine if a prima facie case exists for the four accused to stand trial before the Demerara High Court. During the recent sitting, the prosecutor continued to present video exhibits collected during the investigation. This included recordings showing the aftermath of the explosion at the Mobil Service Station located at the corner of Regent and King Streets, as well as video-recorded police interviews with several individuals involved in the investigation.

The evidence presented included an interview with accused Jennifer Rodriguez at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, a recorded interview with former accused Ramesh Pramdeo, and various videos from police investigators. The evidence adds to an extensive case file that has been compiled since the paper committal began on June 8. Senior Police Legal Advisor Mandel Moore has submitted hundreds of pages of evidence on behalf of the State, including eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, forensic reports, post-mortem findings, and DNA analyses from specialists in India.

The accused individuals include Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Alexander Bettencourt, and Jhonny Boodram, along with Guyanese-Venezuelan Krystal LaCruz. All four remain on remand. Poedemo is alleged to have planted and detonated an explosive device at the service station, which prosecutors characterize as a terrorist attack that resulted in the death of a six-year-old child. The prosecution argues that the explosion was intended to threaten Guyana’s security and instill fear among the public. Bettencourt, Boodram, and LaCruz are accused of aiding and abetting the alleged offense.

The four accused have not been required to enter pleas to the indictable terrorism charges and are represented by their respective attorneys. The charges stem from the explosion on October 26, 2025, which resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne, injuries to several family members, and significant damage to nearby businesses and vehicles. The case has seen various developments, including the discharge of Pramdeo and Guyanese Wayne Correia in April due to insufficient evidence against them. However, Jennifer Rodriguez was committed to stand trial after a prima facie case was established against her.

As the proceedings continue, the focus remains on the remaining accused. Once the prosecution formally concludes its case, Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty will evaluate whether the evidence is adequate to commit the remaining four accused to trial before a judge and jury. If convicted under Guyana’s anti-terrorism legislation, the accused could face the death penalty, as the Government has indicated its intention to pursue capital punishment in terrorism cases resulting in loss of life. The paper committal has been adjourned to Wednesday, July 8, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to finalize its evidence presentation.

Source: snn.gy