Mukesh Chandranath, the man who created history when he opted to represent himself at his murder trial, was sentenced yesterday to hang for murdering an elderly couple 12 years ago. A 12-member jury, in the San Fernando High Court, took an hour and 41 minutes to return guilty verdicts against Chandranath for the murders of his neighbours, Selwyn Grant, 65, and his wife, Ursilla Innis, 70. However, Chandranath, who was before Justice Prakash Moosai in the First Criminal Court, maintained his innocence, saying: "I did not kill them people." Moosai read the death sentence twice to Chandranath as his relatives wept in the courtroom.
State prosecutors, Mauriceia Joseph and Shabana Shah, led evidence from 30 witnesses during the trial which began last December.
Chandranath, who opted to represent himself against the advice of Moosai but eventually requested legal representation, did not give evidence or call witnesses. He was represented by attorney Mewhalal Chatoor, instructed by Annalee Girwar. He was charged with murdering the couple sometime between July 31, 1999 and September 17, 1999 at their Alleyne Drive, Penal, home. The couple's decomposing bodies were discovered after the Innis's grandson made a report to the police. Innis's decapitated body, tied with wire, was found in a bathtub. Grant's body was found under a water tank in the yard. His body also was bound with wire.
Chandranath, who was seen driving Grant's car, told the police Grant sold the vehicle to him.
Witnesses testified Chandranath had said he was surprised by their murders since Grant told him he and his wife were going to stay by relatives in La Romaine for six months. Witnesses also testified the accused stole items from the couple's home and sold them to different people. When confronted about the stolen items, Chandranath confessed he went to steal at the couple's house and things got out of control and he killed them.
