A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2019 murder of Solomon Lewis, the respected toshao (village chief) of Kurutuku Village, Region Seven. The sentencing, handed down by Justice Navindra Singh at the Essequibo High Court, marks the conclusion of a case that has deeply impacted the indigenous community and raised concerns about violence against local leaders.
The convicted man, Addisena Benjamin, pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder. The court heard that the fatal incident occurred on January 1, 2019, following a violent domestic dispute. According to the prosecution, Benjamin assaulted Sarah Lewis, the daughter of the toshao and his romantic partner. When Solomon Lewis intervened to protect his daughter, a heated argument escalated. Benjamin armed himself with a cutlass and struck Lewis on the shoulder, inflicting a devastating wound.
Despite efforts to save him, Lewis succumbed to his injuries, with a post-mortem examination revealing he died from septic shock caused by multiple wounds sustained during the attack. The violence did not end there—Benjamin also attacked and injured Marvin Lewis, the toshao’s son, during the same outburst.
During sentencing, Benjamin’s attorney highlighted his early guilty plea and the time he had already spent in custody since his arrest, arguing these factors showed remorse and cooperation with the judicial process. However, the prosecution emphasized the brutal nature of the crime, the vulnerability of the 52-year-old victim, and the broader issue of violence against indigenous leaders.
Justice Singh acknowledged the mitigating factors but concluded that the gravity of the crime warranted a substantial custodial sentence. Benjamin’s 20-year prison term will be reduced by the time he has already spent on remand.
The case has resonated throughout Region Seven and beyond, underscoring the challenges faced by indigenous communities and the need for stronger protections for their leaders. As Kurutuku Village mourns the loss of its toshao, the sentence serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of justice for victims and their families.
