More than five years after the brutal killings of cousins Joel and Isaiah Henry shocked the country, a 12-member jury was empaneled on Wednesday as their long-awaited murder trial officially began at the High Court.
The two accused, Anil Sancharra, called “Dan Pole” and “Rasta,” of D’ Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, and 30-year-old Vinod Gopaul, known as “Magga,” of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared virtually before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall when the murder indictments were read.
The court heard that between September 5 and 6, 2020, Sancharra and Gopaul allegedly murdered the Henry cousins in Berbice.
Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.
State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards told the court that the prosecution is expected to call approximately 45 witnesses during the trial. Those witnesses are expected to include Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh and 16 police officers.
Following the selection of the jury, Justice Morris-Ramlall addressed the panel and explained their duties and responsibilities as jurors. The case is expected to be a lengthy trial and could continue for several weeks.
The matter is scheduled to continue on Thursday, when trial proceedings are expected to formally commence.
Sancharra and Gopaul are being represented by the law firm of Dr. Dexter Todd and Associates.
The murders of Joel and Isaiah Henry had triggered national outrage and widespread calls for justice after their bodies were found in Berbice in September 2020.
The start of the trial now marks a major step in a case that has remained one of the most closely watched murder matters in recent years.
