Police Constable found guilty in fatal shooting of Dartmouth businessman

Police Constable Sherwin Peters was on Wednesday convicted by a jury for the unlawful killing of Dartmouth, Essequibo businessman, Orin Boston, nearly four years after the incident occurred.

Appearing before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Essequibo, Peters was found guilty of manslaughter following a trial that featured testimony from approximately 25 witnesses. He was remanded to prison and is scheduled to return for sentencing on July 10, 2025.

The charge stemmed from an early morning shooting on September 15, 2021, during an anti-crime operation conducted by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit at Boston’s home. Despite the operation, no illegal items were found on the premises.

According to the prosecution, led by State Counsel Latifah Elliot, Peters unlawfully shot Boston during the course of the raid. Peters, who chose to represent himself during the trial, was first charged in January 2022 and granted bail in the sum of $1 million.

The incident triggered widespread public outrage, particularly after Boston’s relatives disputed the police’s version of events.

While initial statements from the police suggested there was a confrontation, the family maintained that Boston was shot while sleeping.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, angry residents mounted roadblocks and lit debris in protest, demanding accountability for what many considered an unjustified killing.

An internal probe conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) was swiftly completed and sent to the Police Complaints Authority, chaired by retired Justice William Ramlall. The findings were later reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who advised that manslaughter charges be instituted against the rank.

Peters was officially committed to stand trial in July 2022, nearly a year after the shooting.

Wednesday’s unanimous verdict now paves the way for final sentencing next month.