A Berbice man has been released on $1 million bail after being charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of his girlfriend, following a dramatic incident that initially appeared to be a tragic car accident.
Alfred De Jonge, 46, of Coburg Street, New Amsterdam, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Mathias at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He faces an indictable charge alleging that on June 20, at Number 7 Village, Public Road, East Coast Berbice, he unlawfully killed 22-year-old Althea Stacy Walton.
The case stems from an incident where Walton, a mother of one, was found dead after a motorcar was discovered partially submerged in a canal. Authorities initially believed her death resulted from a car crash. However, a post-mortem examination conducted by a government pathologist revealed that Walton died from asphyxia and drowning, raising suspicions about the circumstances of her death.
During the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mark Edwards outlined that De Jonge initially told investigators he was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident and had simply stopped to help after seeing the car in the canal. However, under further questioning, De Jonge admitted he was in the vehicle with Walton and confessed to removing narcotics from the car after the accident before returning to the scene.
The prosecution argued against bail, citing the ongoing investigation and concerns that De Jonge might interfere with witnesses. They also referenced a previous allegation against De Jonge involving an attempted murder charge, which was dismissed after the alleged victim became unavailable to testify.
Defence attorney Chandra Sohan countered that De Jonge had not attempted to obstruct justice or tamper with witnesses, emphasizing that the conflicting accounts given to investigators contributed to the current charge. Sohan also highlighted that De Jonge, a car rental service operator and father of three, was not a flight risk and had every intention of attending his trial.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Mathias granted bail, noting that Walton was reportedly the driver at the time of the incident. The case is expected to continue as investigators pursue further leads and question additional witnesses.
The tragic death of Althea Stacy Walton has gripped the Berbice community, with many awaiting further developments as the case proceeds through the courts.
