19th witness called in case.
By Azard Ali
Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday | Thursday, February 2 2012

THE State yesterday called its 19th witness yesterday in the Daniel Guerra Murder Inquiry.

The State will call several more witnesses to give evidence in the inquiry in which Police Constable Darwin Ghouralal, 44, is charged with the murder of the eight-year-old boy from Gasparillo who went missing on February 18, 2012.

Yesterday, Corporal Anil Maharaj of the Homicide Bureau (south) gave evidence and told Acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan, about aerial searches conducted during police investigations during the period when Guerra was missing. On Thursday next, Rhea Indarsingh, Guerra’s aunt will be called by the prosecution to testify.

On February 18, Guerra left his Bedeau Street home to purchase two Lucozade drinks. His semi decomposed body was found on February 20, at Tarouba Village, near San Fernando. Ghouralal, 44, who was attached to the Mon Repos Police Station, San Fernando, was charged with the killing. The inquiry is being conducted by Rambachan in the First Magistrate’s court, San Fernando.

Maharaj testified for almost two hours yesterday about his involvement in the investigations, which required him boarding a helicopter at Skinner Park on February 20. He then gave an account to Rambachan about the surveillance operations, in answer to questions from State Attorney Lisa Singh. Maharaj then disclosed to the court, statements he obtained from certain relatives of the boy.

Senior Counsel Sophia Chote cross-examined Maharaj on his investigations, as well as on the statements. She is being instructed by attorney Michelle Solomon.

Singh then informed the magistrate that on the next occasion, Indarsingh, will be the prosecution’s next witness followed by another witness, Joseph Mahabir.

However, Chote indicated that she would not be able to cross-examine the witnesses if she did not receive disclosures in respect of the witnesses’ statements. Friday afternoon was listed as the day on which Singh is expected to deliver the disclosures to facilitate the Senior Counsel’s preparation of her questioning in cross-examination, of Indarsingh and Mahabir. Rambachan fixed the hearing for February 9.