A minibus driver charged with the murder of a female passenger has gone on trial in the Georgetown High Court, where prosecutors have begun presenting medical and video evidence before a judge and jury.
Travis Gordon Benjamin appeared on Wednesday before Justice Gino Persaud as the prosecution continued its case concerning the death of Vanessa Bishop.
Government Pathologist Dr. Nehul Singh and another medical practitioner testified about the injuries Bishop suffered.
They explained that the trauma could be linked to different possible causes, including an assault, being struck by a vehicle, or falling from a considerable height.
Prosecutors also tendered four video recordings allegedly showing a yellow minibus travelling along the route from Soesdyke Junction through B and E Field, Sophia.
The vehicle is said to have been driven by Benjamin.
During cross-examination by defence attorney Candice Nelson, the police officer who obtained the footage admitted that the videos did not clearly identify the driver and that he could not determine how many passengers were on board.
The court was told that Bishop and Benjamin did not know each other.
Investigators allege that Bishop boarded the minibus on the night of September 25, 2020, after leaving work at Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara around 10:00 pm.
They further claim that she did not exit the vehicle that night, which differs from earlier statements reportedly made by Benjamin.
Nearly two days later, in the early hours of September 27, 2020, Bishop was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in a confused state with multiple injuries.
She later died despite receiving treatment.
Benjamin was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
The trial is expected to continue on Monday, January 9.
