Man on trial for killing best friend over $20

A STE MADELEINE man went on trial yesterday at the San Fernando Criminal High Court for the alleged murder of his best friend, who was stabbed to death during an argument over $20, four years ago. Selwyn Cooper, 32, is before Justice Anthony Carmona and a 12-member jury in the Third Assizes, where he is on trial for allegedly murdering his best friend Dexter Gumps Seetahal, 21. Seetahal was stabbed to death on July 1 2001. Cooper and Seetahal both lived at Cocket Street, Ste Madeleine.

In outlining the facts of the case, State Attorney Alexander Prince said it was around 5.30 pm on July 21 2001, when Cooper saw Seetahal walking up Cocket Street. The jury heard that Cooper asked Seetahal for the $20 he (Seetahal) owed him. An argument ensued between both men, the State attorney said. During a scuffle, the jury heard, the deceased fell to the ground.Seetahal was taken to San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) where he was warded, but subsequently died. Prince said an autopsy showed Seetahal died from a single stab wound inflicted between the neck and chest.

The deceased man’s girlfriend, Raju Ganga Persad, testified yesterday that as Seetahal’s girlfriend, she knew that the deceased and Cooper were close friends. Also testifying yesterday was Seelochan Singh, who told the jury he identified his grandson’s body at the Mortuary of the SFGH. The trial continues today.