After a closely watched trial, a 12-member jury yesterday found Shawn Small not guilty of the 2020 murder of security guard Bharrat Dass. The verdict was delivered before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court in Demerara, bringing an end to a case that has gripped the local community for nearly five years.

Small had been accused of murdering Dass during a robbery at the Medi-Care Pharmacy on New Market Street. The incident occurred on the night of November 5, 2020, when Dass, 43, was attacked while on duty. He was later discovered by one of his sons and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he succumbed to his injuries six days later.

The prosecution had alleged that Small was responsible for the fatal attack, which was said to have taken place during the course of a robbery. However, after hearing testimony and examining the evidence, the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict, acquitting Small of all charges related to Dass’s death.

The acquittal marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal process that included extensive investigations and multiple court appearances. The family of Bharrat Dass, while expressing disappointment with the outcome, stated that they respected the court’s decision.

The case has reignited conversations about workplace safety for security personnel and the challenges faced by law enforcement in securing convictions in violent crime cases. As Small walked free from the courthouse, the community reflected on both the loss of Dass and the complexities inherent in the pursuit of justice.