Woman admits to setting partner on fire during domestic dispute

A 24-year-old Georgetown woman is expected to be sentenced on May 13 after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her partner, who succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained during a domestic altercation at their New Market Street, North Cummingsburg residence. Melissa David, of Lot 99–100 New Market Street, appeared before the High Court last week, where she entered a guilty plea to the lesser count of manslaughter. The matter was prosecuted by State Counsel Padma Dubraj, Nelissa Peterkin and Aleria Aliya Heywood while David is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Ronald Bostwick.

The case, which was originally indicted as murder, stemmed from a violent incident on May 22, 2024, involving David and her partner, 31-year-old Edmond Moses. The court heard that David and Moses were in a romantic relationship and lived in the same two-storey apartment building at New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Although residing in separate rooms, both occupied the same premises. On the day in question, a domestic dispute escalated inside the building during the evening hours. The confrontation, which began earlier in the day over personal and household issues, intensified inside the apartment.

At approximately 18:05h, the situation escalated into violence, during which a flammable liquid was thrown on Moses, and he was set alight inside the residential property. The fire quickly spread within the immediate area of the apartment landing, causing panic among other occupants of the building.

A nearby resident, Abdur Rahman Wohab, who lives within the same apartment complex, became aware of the incident after hearing disturbances and observing signs of fire from his unit. Upon investigating, he observed flames in the verandah area of the deceased’s apartment. He, along with another resident, immediately intervened and used buckets of water to bring the fire under control.

Following the intervention, Moses was seen exiting his apartment suffering from extensive burn injuries affecting his upper body, arm, and lower limbs. Emergency medical services were summoned, and he was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted in critical condition.

Despite receiving treatment, his condition deteriorated over the following weeks. He later died as a result of complications arising from the burns. A Post-Mortem Examination conducted on July 15, 2024, by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh proved that he died from pneumonia resulting from septic burns. Medical findings indicated that Moses sustained burns covering approximately 50 to 55 per cent of his body surface area, classifying the injuries as severe and life-threatening. Following the incident, police investigators visited the scene, accompanied by the accused. During the scene examination, items of interest were recovered, including a yellow jersey and a wooden stick, both of which were photographed and logged as exhibits. Investigators also observed a mop on the balcony area, which appeared to contain traces of a liquid emitting an odour consistent with kerosene or a similar flammable substance.

Following her arrest on the day of the incident, David was cautioned by police in accordance with standard procedures and admitted her involvement in the incident. She provided a caution statement indicating that a physical confrontation had taken place between herself and Moses prior to the fire being set. In a subsequent written statement, she alleged that the incident occurred during a domestic dispute involving accusations over personal belongings and money.

She further claimed that she was assaulted during the confrontation and that the situation escalated inside the room, where she was prevented from leaving. David also stated that she acted in fear during the altercation, which led to the act that resulted in Moses being set on fire. Investigators also obtained statements from residents of the apartment building who confirmed hearing loud arguments shortly before the incident. One witness reported hearing threats exchanged between the couple earlier in the evening, followed by movement and commotion from within the apartment complex.

Another resident corroborated seeing fire emanating from the direction of the deceased’s living quarters and observed the aftermath of the incident shortly thereafter. David was initially charged with attempted murder when she first appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The prosecution later proceeded with the matter at the High Court following the victim’s declining medical condition and subsequent death.

After completion of the investigation and presentation of agreed facts, the charge was reduced to manslaughter, to which David pleaded guilty this week.

The High Court has adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026 for sentencing.