The high-profile case surrounding the fatal shooting of Kenesha Vaughn continues to face delays, with the preliminary inquiry (PI) into her death once again stalled due to outstanding witness statements. The proceedings, which have drawn significant public attention, center on city businessman Marlan DaSilva, who stands accused of murdering his partner at their Diamond Housing Scheme residence on the East Bank of Demerara.
Court Proceedings and Delays
The latest adjournment came during a session before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, where it was revealed that the prosecution had not yet disclosed all witness statements to the court-a procedural requirement before the PI can commence. Without full disclosure, the court cannot proceed to hear testimony or evaluate the evidence, resulting in the matter being pushed to a later date. The case, which was previously adjourned to May 12, 2025, now awaits further action as the outstanding statements are compiled and submitted.
A preliminary inquiry serves as a judicial hearing in the Magistrate’s Court for serious offenses such as murder. It is not a trial but a process to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the accused to stand trial in the High Court before a judge and jury. Only after all evidence and witness testimonies are presented can the court make this determination23.
Incident Details
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of February 22, 2025, shortly after DaSilva returned home. Earlier that day, he had reportedly been socializing with friends at a popular city venue. According to police reports, Vaughn called DaSilva and asked him to come home, which allegedly led to an argument upon his arrival. During the confrontation, DaSilva is said to have slapped Vaughn. In retaliation, Vaughn reportedly armed herself with a knife and approached DaSilva.
At that point, DaSilva allegedly drew his licensed firearm and fired multiple shots at Vaughn, striking her several times. Vaughn collapsed at the scene and was rushed to the Diamond Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment. The entire incident was captured on CCTV footage, which has since been submitted as evidence in the case.
Legal Developments
Following the incident, DaSilva was arrested and subsequently charged with murder based on legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. He has been remanded to prison pending the outcome of the PI. The prosecution has indicated that the case hinges on both eyewitness accounts and the critical CCTV footage, but the process cannot move forward until all relevant statements are before the court.
Impact and Next Steps
The repeated delays have left both Vaughn’s family and the public anxious for resolution and justice. The case highlights the importance of timely evidence gathering and disclosure in high-profile criminal matters. Once all witness statements are submitted, the PI will proceed, allowing the court to determine if DaSilva should face trial in the High Court.
Until then, the matter remains in limbo, with the next hearing scheduled after the outstanding evidence is provided. The legal community and the wider public continue to watch closely, awaiting the next chapter in this tragic and closely followed case.
