Death row inmate begs court to consider appeal

TIMES INT'L

A death row prisoner is appealing to the court to give urgent consideration to his case after his attorney filed an appeal on his behalf. Anthony Beharry called “Tony” was condemned to die for the September 20, 2004 arson/ murder of his cousin. He was accused of torching a house belonging to his aunt, which resulted in the death of a cousin, Yusuf Latiff.

Anthony Beharry
Anthony Beharry

Beharry, 43, of Reliance Settlement Canje was said to have torched the house after an argument with relatives, including his mother and sisters. His lawyer, Charrandas Persaud claimed that his client’s only crime was being under the influence of alcohol and having a dispute with relatives.
Several persons testified during the trial, including, Beharry’s mother and two sisters as well as the driver of the estate ambulance who spoke about turning up at the scene after receiving a call that a house was on fire and the burn victim was lying in the street.
Police said they had received a complaint against Beharry for threatening language and disorderly behaviour and had visited the scene a second time after receiving information about a fire.
Beharry’s mother, Ameena Boodhu had gone to police to inform them that he had blocked their path during an attempt to enter the burning building. However, Beharry’s lawyer claimed that police had already taken the accused into custody after the first complaint was lodged when they received a second call that a house was being torched.
The prosecutor alleged that Beharry was seen pouring a substance at the doorway of the victim’s bedroom before the entire building became engulfed in flames. According to the facts of the case, on the day in question, Beharry was at Lot 51 Reliance, East Canje, where he lived with his mother, the victim and others.
Boodhu claimed she saw when Beharry threw out a liquid from a one-burner stove prior to spreading it around the house and striking a match which set the place ablaze. According to the prosecution, after the fire was extinguished, the charred remains of the deceased were removed from the premises.
Beharry was sentenced to death by Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes after being found guilty of the capital offence in the murder of Latiff.

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