DPP proceeds with terrorism charges against co-accused despite alleged mastermind taking full blame for deadly gas station bombing

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided to proceed with terrorism charges against all remaining accused in the deadly gas station bombing case, despite repeated claims by the alleged mastermind that he acted alone and that the others had no involvement in the attack.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday when the matter was called before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The court was informed that the DPP will continue prosecution proceedings against Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo and his three co-accused, Alexander Bettencourt, Jhonny Boodram, and Krystal La Cruz, in relation to the October 26, 2025 bombing at the Mobil gas station on Regent Street, Georgetown.

The attack claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and sent shockwaves throughout Guyana.

During previous court appearances, Ramirez Poedemo had repeatedly told the court that he was solely responsible for the deadly explosion and urged that the other accused be freed.

In March, he reportedly indicated his intention to plead guilty, maintaining that the others had no connection to the attack.

However, following the DPP’s decision to proceed with the charges against all four defendants, Poedemo informed the court on Wednesday that he no longer wishes to admit guilt.

The reversal came moments after prosecutors advised the court that the terrorism charges against the co-accused would remain in place.

As a result of the latest development, Magistrate McGusty announced that paper committal proceedings will commence on June 8 at 1:30pm at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

During the proceedings, the court will examine witness statements, reports, and documentary evidence before determining whether sufficient evidence exists for the accused to stand trial in the High Court.

The case previously saw mixed outcomes for other persons charged in connection with the bombing.

In April, at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Alisha George upheld a no-case submission in favour of Guyanese nationals Wayne Correia and Ramesh Pramdeo, ruling that there was insufficient evidence linking them to the crime.

However, another Venezuelan national, Jennifer Rodrigues, was committed to stand trial in the High Court after the court found sufficient evidence against her.