After nearly four years of legal proceedings, Marlon LaRose, a 29-year-old logger from Maria Henrietta, Upper Berbice River, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Kevin Hercules from Wiruni Village, Berbice River. The ruling was issued on Monday by Justice Sandil Kissoon, following the completion of LaRose’s trial before a jury.

LaRose, who was arrested on September 17, 2021, confessed to the murder during a confrontation but displayed no remorse throughout the trial—a detail that significantly influenced the judge’s decision. Under the terms of the sentence, LaRose will be eligible for parole only after serving 30 years.

The murder took place between September 12 and 13, 2021, in Wiruni Village. Hercules had been drinking with friends that night and reportedly requested a ride home. Witnesses saw him enter a boat with several individuals, but he never arrived at his destination. His family reported him missing, and on September 14, 2021, his body was found floating in the Berbice River.

Authorities indicated that Hercules’s body exhibited signs of severe violence; his face was mutilated, and his throat had been slit. A jury was empaneled on December 4, 2024, with the trial officially starting on December 9. The prosecution team, led by Attorneys A. Ramotar and D. Fraser, presented strong evidence against LaRose, while defense attorney R. Bostwick attempted to argue his case.

After both sides concluded their arguments on December 11, Justice Kissoon scheduled the summation and verdict for December 16. Ultimately, the jury found LaRose guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. During the sentencing phase on Monday, Justice Kissoon criticized LaRose’s lack of remorse, emphasizing that the heinous nature of the crime and the suffering inflicted upon the victim’s family justified the life sentence.