New York murder accused arrested in Guyana; date fixed for extradition proceedings

Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 March 2018, 16:14 by Denis Chabrol

Hours after a Guyanese man, wanted for murder in the United States (US) was arrested, he was remanded to prison pending the start of extradition proceedings.

Fugitive Troy Anthony Thomas of 32nd Street, South Ozone Park, Queens, New York,appeared before Magistrate Shernell Issacs for the commencement of a extradition process.

Thomas was arrested at a location in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara at about 2 AM  Wednesday morning.

A representative from the United States Embassy during the court hearing requested full disclosure of statements by Tuesday so that the process can start.

The extradition process is set to begin on March 23 and, if the State is successful, he would be extradited to the US.

The prosecution objected to bail and he was remanded to prison.

Local police said  Thomas was nabbed duringan intelligence-led operation that began on January 31, 2018.

Thomas is accused of murdering Keith Frank on December 11, 2011 in New York.

The Guyana Police Force said Thomas “fled the United States of America after an arrest warrant was issued.”

Investigators said make-up artiste and Social Media personality Lolita “Lola” of East Ruimveldt has been arrested on suspicion of habouring the fugitive.

She was also wanted for threatening behaviour.

Twenty-year-old  Frank was killed in a flash of violence outside a South Richmond Hill party that left an 8-month-old girl without a father.

Keith Frank, who moved to Queens from Guyana when he was 12, died exactly two months before his 21st birthday after he was shot once in the torso at around 4:45 a.m. Dec. 11, according to the New York Police Department had said.

Frank was attending a birthday party near 132nd Street and 109th Avenue and ran into some other men with whom he had a ongoing beef, according to his mother, Carol Kyte.