Charged for murdering stepdad

The magistrate read the first charge which alleged that on August 3, Powell murdered Roy Seetaram.

The second charge alleged that on August 1, the accused assaulted Merle Seetaram occasioning actual bodily harm on her. The charges against Powell alleged that he beat his stepfather on the head with a bolt-cutter at their home at Aripero South Oropouche.

Seetaram’s wife Merle, who is also Powell’s mother, was also allegedly beaten during the ordeal.

Cpl Seurattan and PC Bisso of the Oropouche Police Station responded to a report of violence at the couple’s home last week Monday when they arrested a man.

The injured couple was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where two days later, Seetaram succumbed to his injuries. Cpl Patrick of the Homicide Bureau region III (based at San Fernando) spearheaded investigations and Cpl Seurattan laid the charges against Powell both of which were laid indictably.

Yesterday, Magistrate Ramsumair- Hinds informed the accused of his right to apply to a Judge in Chambers on the issue of bail for the assault charge but added that he cannot be freed on bail since the other charge is murder - a capital and non-bailable offense. He was ordered to return to court on September 8.

The accused was unrepresented by counsel yesterday.