Georgetown, Guyana – A Georgetown Magistrate’s Court has once again denied bail to Keith Williams, a 60-year-old taxi driver accused of attempting to murder his elderly common-law wife in a savage cutlass attack that left her critically injured and permanently impaired.
Williams, who has been on remand since November 2024, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty on Friday, seeking bail for the third time. However, the prosecution firmly objected, citing concerns that he might interfere with the victim if released. Despite the defense’s arguments about Williams’ deteriorating health, including an enlarged prostate requiring medical attention, Magistrate McGusty upheld the objection and ordered him to remain in custody until his next court appearance on April 30.
The brutal incident occurred at their shared residence in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, following a domestic dispute. According to court reports, Williams was initially denied entry into the house by his partner, 74-year-old Deanna Bourne. Their 17-year-old granddaughter eventually let him inside, where he reignited a heated argument with Bourne in her bedroom. Moments later, Williams retrieved a cutlass from his car and launched a vicious attack while Bourne was lying in bed.
The elderly woman sustained multiple deep cuts to her face, head, arms, and chest during the assault. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for emergency surgery and has since undergone two additional procedures to address her injuries. Bourne remains severely impaired and unable to perform basic tasks independently. Her daughters have described her condition as heartbreaking, noting that she struggles with memory loss and physical pain daily.
Williams reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was intercepted by bystanders while still clutching the weapon. He later admitted to police that he had been under the influence of marijuana at the time of the attack.
The defense has argued that Bourne’s discharge from the hospital reduces the risk posed by Williams’ release; however, prosecutors maintain that her ongoing vulnerability and the severity of her injuries warrant his continued detention. They also emphasized that Bourne’s granddaughter remains traumatized after discovering her grandmother bleeding profusely in bed following the attack.
This case has sparked widespread public outrage over domestic violence and elder abuse in Guyana, with many calling for justice for Bourne and harsher penalties for perpetrators of such crimes. As legal proceedings continue, Williams faces an uncertain future while his victim’s family struggles to cope with the lasting impact of this horrific incident.
