Police Constable Sherwin Peters, a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) was today found guilty of killing Essequibo Coast businessman, Orin Boston. Peters, a Police Constable of Lot 1869 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was charged with manslaughter.
Peters’ trial commenced on June 17, before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Essequibo High Court. The State was represented by Counsel Latifah Elliott, while Peters was unpresented. The prosecutor called approximately 25 witnesses and the closing arguments were heard on Tuesday.
Today, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict and the sentencing was scheduled for July 10, 2025. Peters was out on $1 million bail, which was revoked given the guilty verdict. He was remanded to prison pending sentencing.
Boston, 29, of Hoppie Street, Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Region Two was shot and killed on September 15, 2021 during what was said to be an anti-crime operation by the SWAT squad. The businessman’s death sparked controversy with accounts of family members differing from the police’s statement about what transpired.
The force said Boston was killed in a confrontation but his wife maintained that her husband was shot while he was in bed and unarmed. He was rushed to the Suddie hospital after the 4 am shooting, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Following his death, residents mounted protest demonstrations by burning tyres and other debris, blocking the main thoroughfare at Dartmouth.
