The preliminary inquiry into the murder of Daniel Guerra will begin on November 4. Acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan, presiding in the San Fernando First Court, set the date for hearing on Tuesday when murder accused Police Detective Darwin Ghouralal reappeared in court. Ghouralal, 41, is charged with murdering eight-year-old Guerra on a date unknown between February 17 and February 21.
Homicide Investigator Sgt Anderson Pariman laid the charge. Guerra, a Standard Two pupil of the Gasparillo Government Primary School, disappeared from his Bedeau Street, Gasparillo, home on February 17. His decomposing body was found floating in the Tarouba river days later.
When the matter was called on Tuesday, defence attorney Sophia Chote told the court she spoke with deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Honore-Paul, lead prosecutor in the matter, and "we are both in a position to start as soon as possible." "We were awaiting a regular magistrate and now that we have one, we are ready," Chote added. State prosecutor Mauriciea Joseph, who held for Honore-Paul, apologised for the prosecutor's absence and asked for an adjournment. She said Honore-Paul had indicated she would be available from November 3 to 8. Chote said they agreed to November 3.
However, Rambachan said November 4 was better for him since he had 46 matters listed for the November 3 and one matter to start. "We will start on the 4th. I am clear. We can do (hearings) twice the following week after the start," the magistrate said. He asked if the State will be proceeding "old-style" by way of verbal evidence, or paper committal. Joseph told him: "Part old style, part paper committal. We are starting to file (statements) and are in the process of deciding which (witness will give evidence.)" "We are looking at November 4 to commence whether it be old style or paper committal," Rambachan added.
