Killing at police Headquaters

Story taken from our C O U R T section.

THE WIDOW of slain policeman Carlos Guerra was not prepared yesterday for this question — “Do you believe your husband was murdered deliberately?”

Katherine Guerra had given evidence on June 13 in the inquest touching her husband’s death. She was recalled to the witness stand yesterday to be further questioned. She was going along nicely until police prosecutor Inspector Kenneth Cordner posed that question.

Mrs Guerra, sitting in the witness box, started to cry. She just could not answer that question. Coroner Sherman Mc Nicolls stared at the witness, awaiting her response, but there was none.

When Cordner asked her to answer the question, the Coroner intervened, “let her compose herself.” There was complete silence in the courtroom.

But the answer took a long time. Mrs Guerra bowed her head, looked up again and just could not answer the question. The Coroner then asked, “do you know of anyone who would want your husband murdered?”

Again, she sat still and could not answer. Then, she quietly said no. Not only was Mrs Guerra recalled to the witness stand, but she walked with her lawyer. Rangee Dolsingh SC told the court that he was looking after the interest of the Guerra family.

Mc Nicolls, sitting in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court is hearing the inquest touching the death of Guerra who was shot and killed inside the offices of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad at the old Police Headquarters building in Port-of-Spain on August 11, 2005.

Israel Khan SC and Ulric Skerritt are representing PC Sheldon Narine whose conduct is being called into question. Cordner represents the Police Service. Hearing resumes on June 27.

Mrs Guerra, of KP Lands, Valencia, was questioned by Khan. She said she knew which high school her husband attended, but did not know where Narine went.

She said the first time she saw Narine was when he and Guerra were training at the St James Barracks. She said she never met Narine’s children. She could not say when was the first time Narine visited her home, but there were several occasions.

Mrs Guerra said Narine visited her home whenever he and her husband worked together and they dropped by. She also denied that Narine was ever disrespectful to her.

KHAN: Do you know of any reason why Narine would want to murder your husband?

MRS GUERRA: No.

KHAN: Did you know that your husband and Narine went after kidnappers and bandits?

MRS GUERRA: Yes.

KHAN: Did you know that your husband used to be in the forest?

MRS GUERRA: Yes.

KHAN: Did you know he was looking for the US war veteran Balram Maharaj?

MRS GUERRA: No.

KHAN: Did he speak to you about police work?

MRS GUERRA: No.

KHAN: Were you aware that he wanted to leave the police service...and open his own business?

MRS GUERRA: Yes.

KHAN: Did you ever hear that Guerra’s brother and father said Carlos was assassinated?

MRS GUERRA: (pause)...No.

KHAN: Did you ever see any animosity between Guerra and Narine?

MRS GUERRA: No.

Dolsingh then questioned the witness.

DOLSINGH: Did you ever have any affair with Narine?

MRS GUERRA: No.

DOLSINGH: Did your husband discuss his professional work with you?

MRS GUERRA: No. I did not know of any kidnapping assignments he went on.

TOMORROW: A cop with a mystery $300,000