A High Court jury has convicted security guard Deandrell Semple of manslaughter over the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jared Jagnandan at a Lusignan business, with sentencing set for November 23.
Semple, 22, was taken into custody following Friday’s verdict. Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh revoked the $1 million bail on which he had remained during his trial.
Eleven jurors found Semple guilty, while one returned a not-guilty verdict. Justice Singh had summarised the evidence before the jury began deliberations.
Ahead of sentencing, the judge ordered a probation report and directed the prosecution and defence to submit the factors they believe should influence the sentence.
Prosecutors Praneta Seeraj and Christopher Belfield will outline the aggravating circumstances, while defence attorney Eden Corbin will present mitigating factors on Semple’s behalf.
Jagnandan, a sales and marketing representative at SMK Shaf Auto Sales, was shot at the company’s Lusignan, East Coast Demerara premises on March 21, 2024.
According to the police account, the business owner and his wife returned from errands at approximately 11:10 a.m. and saw Jagnandan and Semple sitting near the security officer’s desk.
A loud bang was heard shortly afterwards. The businessman reportedly rushed out of his office and found Jagnandan lying motionless on the floor, bleeding.
Semple told the couple that the teenager had been shot. Jagnandan was taken to a private hospital in Georgetown, where he later died.
The teenager lived at Martyrs’ Ville, East Coast Demerara.
Following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Semple was charged with manslaughter and appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court.
He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Bail was granted at $1 million, and he was ordered to surrender his passport.
Semple will now remain in custody pending sentencing.
