A 31-year-old Guyanese national was on Wednesday remanded to prison, in order to be extradited to the USA soon.
Troy Thomas of 34 Second Street Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, is wanted for murder in the USA. It is alleged that Thomas on December 11, 2011 killed Keith Frank, 21, outside a party at South Richmond Hill, Jamaica, New York. The man was wanted by US authorities since their investigations commenced in 2012.
The fugitive was arrested around 02:00h on Wednesday at his Liliendaal address by ranks of the Guyana Police Force. The man’s arrest came as a part of an intelligence operation that began in January of this year.
Troy Thomas
Meanwhile, popular make-up artist Lolita Callendar, called “Lola” of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who Police wanted for threatening behaviour and who is suspected to have harboured the fugitive, has been arrested and is assisting with the investigation.
An attorney appearing on behalf of the US Government pleaded with the court to deny bail, noting that Thomas is a flight risk. The court heard that the address that was on GECOM’s file for Thomas – 242 Gordon Street, Kitty – is an abandoned property and the Immigration Authorities have no record of Thomas’ re-entry into Guyana. Additionally, when Thomas was first arrested, he gave his name as Marvin Williams and only admitted his correct name to Police when he was being interrogated.
When allowed to speak, Thomas did not have much to say other than a request for legal representation. “This is news to me,” the man stated.
Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus refused bail on the grounds that the accused is a flight risk. Thomas will return to court on March 20, where he will hear the full disclosure of the official statements.
The deceased man was said to be attending a party in Richmond Hill when he was approached by a group of men that he previously had an altercation with. Frank was subsequently shot to the torso.
Guyana Times International understands the misunderstanding between Frank and the Guyanese men was as a result of dancing and females.
The dead man’s mother, Carol Kyte, said that her son, who was father to an eight-month-old baby at the time, was shot about a mile from a hospital.
However, he had already succumbed by the time he arrived at the medical facility.
Kyte reported that she had also been hearing rumours that Thomas who has not been formally charged with a crime, has fled to Miami or to Guyana.
The dead man is also a Guyanese who migrated to the United States at the age of 12.
Frank’s life in Queens began at MS 8 in Jamaica. He then attended Franklin K Lane High School for a time, but eventually transferred to Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts and Sciences in Glen Oaks.
Authorities are hoping to have Thomas’ extradition arranged by March, 23.
