Curt Thomas was on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 sentenced to 70 years’ imprisonment for the April 30, 2016 murder of Parika, East Bank Demerara fuel dealer, Seeram Singh.
Thomas was found guilty of the crime last week following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara.
On April 30, 2016, Thomas, called “Yankee”, murdered Seeram Singh during the course of a robbery.
Media reports are that the 52-year-old businessman was attacked by a gunman while he was walking on the roadway.
Thomas, who was armed with a gun, relieved Seeram Singh of some of the gold jewellery he was wearing before shooting him once to the head and chest, before making good his escape.
At the commencement of his trial, Thomas, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Lyndon Amsterdam, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
State Prosecutors, Tuanna Hardy and Tyra Bakker called a number of witnesses to testify during the trial including police ranks, a pathologist and civilians.
During the trial proceedings, Thomas had maintained his innocence, stating that the police were trying to frame him for the crime. He had testified that he does not know Seeram Singh and that he was nowhere near or at the crime scene.
Seeram Singh’s family members who were present in court today expressed heartfelt gratitude for the justice they have received. They described their departed loved one as a hard working family man.
Thomas only becomes eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 40 years in prison.
