A senior member of the Guyana Police Force has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of a young man in Linden, a case that has sparked widespread outrage and protests in the community.

Sergeant Philbert Kendall, 45, appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was formally charged with the murder of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters. The incident occurred on the evening of April 7 in the One Mile area of Wismar, Linden.

According to court proceedings, Kendall, who was stationed at the Wismar Police Station, was on duty when he received information that Peters, who was reportedly wanted by police, had been spotted at Shabba Bar. The sergeant armed himself with a 9mm service pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition before departing the station in a privately owned minibus accompanied by other ranks.

Upon arrival, Peters was seen leaning on a motorcycle. As officers approached, he reportedly jumped over a gate in an attempt to evade arrest. The prosecution alleges that Kendall exited the vehicle, pointed his firearm at Peters, and fired a shot that struck the young man in the waist. Instead of taking Peters directly to the hospital, Kendall allegedly transported him back to the police station before he was eventually taken for medical treatment. Peters later died at the Linden Hospital Complex.

The shooting triggered public outrage in Linden, leading to protests that escalated into further violence. During these demonstrations, another man, Keon Fogenay, was also killed in a separate police-involved shooting. The investigation into Fogenay’s death remains ongoing.

Authorities have confirmed that the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Regional Security System have completed their investigations into Peters’ death, leading to the murder charge against Kendall. The prosecution noted that the case file is still being finalized and that full disclosure of evidence, including video footage, is pending.

Sergeant Kendall, represented by attorney Patrice Henry, was not required to enter a plea as the charge is indictable. He has been remanded to prison until May 9, when the matter will return to court. The case continues to draw national attention as calls for justice and police accountability intensify.