Man on trial for baby’s murder

With tears rolling down her cheeks, Toy Ramnarine Basdeo pointed out to Justice Herbert Volney and jury that the man who murdered her baby was her husband — Christna Basdeo.

Basdeo went on trial in the First Criminal Assize before Volney and a 12-member jury, for the murder of the baby, Kyle Basdeo, in 2003. The incident occurred at the couple’s home at Ganga Trace, Crystal View, Manahambre Road, Princes Town.

In opening the State’s case yesterday, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Joan Honore-Paul, said that on November 11, 2003, Basdeo intended to kill Kyle, who was not his own child. Toy told the judge and jury that Basdeo knew he was not Kyle’s father when she became pregnant. The woman testified that on November 10, 2003, her husband came home intoxicated.

Toy testified that Basdeo picked up a cutlass and fired chops at religious pictures hanging on the wall. He then "planassed" (hit with flat side of the cutlass) Kyle on his leg and hand.

Toy said she left the house and went to the Princes Town Police Station where she filed a report with PC Sookdeo. She then sought medical attention for herself and the baby at the Princes Town Health Centre. Continuing her testimony, Toy said when she returned home, Basdeo had locked them out of the house. She waited until Basdeo had fallen asleep, then went into the house.

Toy testified that the next day, she put Kyle to sleep, but she also fell asleep. She was suddenly awakened by the sound of a cutlass knocking on her bed and when she opened her eyes, Basdeo charged at her with an upraised cutlass. Toy said, "The cutlass came down and it hit Kyle first. I feel blood splatter — warm and heated."

Hearing continues today.