Extradition Proceedings to Commence in Georgetown Court
A murder suspect, who fled the United States after an arrest warrant was issued
for him, appeared in a Georgetown court Wednesday, where his extradition
hearing is set to commence.
Troy Anthony Thomas, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, U.S.A, who
allegedly murdered Keith Frank on December 11, 2011, was apprehended by
ranks of the Guyana Police Force during an intelligence-led operation which began
on January 31, 2018.
The accused was arrested Wednesday morning at a location in Liliendaal, East
Coast Demerara, the Stabroek News reported.
During his court appearance before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, an
attorney who represented the interest of the United States, informed the court that
an arrest warrant was granted in the USA for the accused in relation to murder, in
January. The arrest of the accused on Wednesday, she noted, was in pursuance
of the warrant.
The representative went on to say that when he was first apprehended the
accused gave his name as Marvin Williams, only later acknowledging his correct
name sometime after, according to the Stabroek News report.
Thomas, 31, acknowledged that he had received a copy of the charge against him
as was indicated by the attorney earlier, and that he had also signed same.
The representative went on to object to the accused being granted bail, stating
that he is a flight risk. She noted that checks were made with the Guyana
Elections Commission, which indicated that the accused was registered in 2016,
and had provided 242 Gordon Street, Kitty as his address. A check, however,
revealed that there is only an abandoned house at that address.
It was further indicated that checks made with the Central Immigration Authority
revealed that there was no record of the accused having entered Guyana.
Additionally, according to the Stabroek News report, the court heard that the
prosecution was prepared to have statements filed next Tuesday and commence
proceedings as early as next Friday.
When granted the opportunity to speak, Thomas was reported by the Stabroek
News as saying that he was never charged for anything and requested that he be
granted the opportunity to obtain legal representation so that he can have a fair
chance.
The accused was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to March 20.
The police in a statement also said that make-up artiste and Social Media
personality Lolita Callendar c/d “Lola” of East Ruimveldt, who police wanted for
threatening behaviour and who is suspected to have harboured the fugitive, has
been arrested and is assisting with the investigation.
