Murder accused pleads guilty to manslaughter

THE MURDER trial of Selwyn Cooper came to an abrupt end yesterday when the accused opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Cooper’s decision came on the fifth day of his trial in the San Fernando Third Criminal Assizes before Justice Anthony Carmona, where he was charged with murdering Dexter “Gumbs” Seetahal. Sentencing will be done next week. State attorney Alexander Prince said the incident occurred on July 1, 2001, between 4.30 and 5.30 pm at Coquette Street, Ste Madeleine, when 21-year-old Seetahal also known as “Blacks” was approached by Cooper, who asked about an outstanding $20 loan. Cooper, also called “Big Boy” told police Seetahal pulled out a knife from his pocket.

Cooper said he held onto Seetahal’s neck in an armlock when Seetahal got cut on his neck. Seetahal died that night around nine o’clock at San Fernando General Hospital. A post mortem carried out by Dr Hughvon Des Vignes concluded Seetahal died as a result of a stab wound. Cooper was detained by police and gave them a statement two days after the killing. Yesterday Justice Carmona commended the professional manner adopted by the complainant — Sergeant Clarence Boodram — in obtaining the statement from Cooper. The commendations to the complainant were echoed by State attorney Prince, who said too often there were instances where statements were horridly taken by police. Prince pointed out that when statements are recorded by police without the presence of a Justice of the Peace or other witnesses, issues arise such as allegations against police officers.

The court heard the police sergeant waited for one of Cooper’s relatives and a Justice of the Peace to witness the recording of the statement. Cooper’s sister Christine, witnessed the statement with Justice of the Peace Nazim Muradali present. Justice Carmona said it was the fairness showed to Cooper by Sgt Boodram in the obtaining of the statement that brought about Cooper’s sister giving evidence as a witness for the State. “It’s a remarkable thing that a sister would come and give evidence on behalf of the prosecution against her brother,” the judge said, noting also that the sister was “straightforward and honest” in her conduct. Cooper’s defence attorney Learie Alleyne Forte requested a few days to prepare mitigation and Justice Carmona postponed mitigation and sentencing to next Tuesday.