In a harrowing case that has gripped the West Coast Demerara community, a Meten-Meer-Zorg man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife by setting her on fire. The accused, identified as Gowkaran, admitted to the capital offence before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall during a hearing at the High Court in Demerara.

The crime occurred on April 9, 2020, at the couple’s home in West Meten-Meer-Zorg, where Gowkaran lived with his wife, 47-year-old Debbie Singh, and their twin one-year-old children, Priya and Parmanand. According to the statement of facts presented by state prosecutor Muntaz Ali, Gowkaran doused Singh with a flammable substance and set her alight, resulting in fatal injuries.

The case was built on an agreed statement of facts, and Gowkaran’s plea came as the court was preparing to proceed with a full trial. The chilling details of the incident and the presence of the couple’s young children at the time have sparked outrage and sorrow within the local community.

Justice Morris-Ramlall has deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of a probation report and victim impact statements. The court is expected to hand down its sentence at a later date.

Authorities have condemned the act and reiterated their commitment to addressing domestic violence and ensuring justice for victims. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse and the urgent need for continued vigilance and support for vulnerable individuals.