Gold miner charged with the murder of Brazilian businessman

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

A gold miner was Monday arraigned for allegedly murdering a Brazilian businessman as part of a plan to rob the property of GUY$17 million.

37-year old Robert Paul was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman.

He is accused of killing Venderlier Kienen on November 20 at 111 Miles, Potaro.

Paul is expected to return to court on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Court documents state that about 6:45 PM, Paul and two others went to Kienen’s home. There, the businessman was stabbed several times about the body and was rushed to the Mahdia Hospital where he died.

Paul allegedly fled through the front door and his accomplices escaped through the back door.

Defence lawyer, James Bond told the court that his client was forced to sign a caution statement and did so only once. However, he saw what appeared to be his signature several times on the document.

Bond said his client, who owns his own mining operation, was never hiding and was arrested a short distance away from his camp.

Persons accused of murder are usually remanded to prison pending the commencement and during the preliminary inquiry. If that inquiry shows that there is enough evidence for the accused to face trial by a judge and jury, he or she remains incarcerated pending and during that trial.