A Sangre Grande man who is accused of killing his wife and attempting to harm himself was sent to the St Ann’s Hospital for evaluation after he appeared in court for the second time Friday.
Dominic Guevara, 46, a bee-keeper, of Jairsingh Village, Coalmine, Sangre Grande, is accused of murdering school teacher Margaret Diaz- Guevara on February 26 last year.
Diaz- Guevara was shot dead in her bedroom.
The accused, who was recently discharged from hospital, has permanent injuries to his jaw, nose and teeth. He survives on a diet of liquid food.
Guevara was charged with murder and attempted suicide by Cpl Ramdial of Homicide Bureau Region II, Arouca, following instructions from the Director of Public Prosecution Roger Gaspard on Wednesday. He appeared before Magistrate Brambhanan Dubay in the First Magistrate Court,
Dressed in a checkered shirt, brown trousers and a pair of slippers, Guevara was seen holding a white towel over his face as he stood before the court when Dubay read the charge that on Monday, February 26, 2018, it is alleged Guevara murdered his wife and attempted suicide.
Attorneys Cherrish John and Nigel Browne represented Guevara. John made an application under section 13 of the Mental Health Act for her client be sent to St Ann’s Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
Dubay asked the accused if his family has any history of mental disorders. He shook his head and his attorney, John, went to his assistance. He was asked to remove the towel from his face and blood was seen dripping from his nose. He was asked if he remembered what he had done. He again shook his head and attorney John told Dubay because of his many health challenges he could not remember anything.
Court prosecutor Sgt Ramdeen objected to this request on grounds that a disfigured face is not a disfigured mind.
This was overruled by Dubay, who then ordered that Guevara be sent to the St Ann’s Hospital for evaluation.
Guevara is to return to court on April 5.