The police constable, originally from Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was charged with manslaughter in connection with Boston’s death. At Peters’ initial court appearance, he was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge, which alleges that on September 15, 2021, in Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, in the Essequibo Magisterial District, he shot and killed Boston. Peters was charged with manslaughter months after it was reported that he was involved in a police operation searching for ‘illegal substances’ at Boston’s Dartmouth home on the Essequibo Coast. Boston, who was reportedly still in his bed at the time of the shooting, was shot once in the chest with a high-caliber rifle. An autopsy report later confirmed that Boston died as a result of a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.

Protests erupted on the Essequibo Coast following the shooting. Four months after Boston’s death, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, recommended that Peters be charged with manslaughter. Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), Magistrate Esther Sam ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Peters to stand trial for manslaughter before a judge and jury. Peters was committed to stand trial at the Suddie Magistrates’ Court in 2022.

Last Thursday, the former officer was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon after his trial, which took place weeks after he was found guilty at the Essequibo High Court. During sentencing, it was highlighted that the operation conducted by 12 heavily armed SWAT officers targeted two houses within the same compound but was carried out without a search warrant, arrest warrant, or any lawful authority—circumstances that drew sharp condemnation from the trial judge.

“Peters’ actions were unlawful, unreasonable, unjustified, disproportionate, and excessive,” Justice Kissoon declared. “The use of deadly force was without any basis against an unarmed man sleeping in his bed.” The judge also pointed out that there were no mitigating circumstances in the case. (Kaieteur News)