A 23-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 15-year-old Arif Azeez during an Easter Monday outing at the Hot and Cold Lake in Region Two.
The accused, Shemar Smith, called “Shortman,” appeared on Friday before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was formally read to him.
Smith, who is from Adventure, was granted bail in the sum of $750,000, which was later reduced to $500,000. The matter was adjourned to April 30.
He was represented by Attorney Latchmin Rahaman.
Initial reports stated that Azeez and four friends had visited the lake around midday for a recreational outing. Azeez was reportedly operating a red-and-white jet ski, while another friend was riding a blue jet ski when the tragic incident occurred.
Investigations revealed that they were racing at the time and collided. Smith was riding the second jet ski involved in the crash.
Police reported that there were gaps in a statement Smith gave to investigators. Authorities also found paint from Smith’s jet ski on the jet ski operated by the now deceased Azeez, raising further questions, including in relation to the multiple injuries sustained by Azeez.
A post-mortem examination found that Azeez died from drowning compounded by multiple injuries.
His sister, Malika Azeez, who visited the scene at the time of the accident, told Ignite News that her brother suffered a broken foot and head trauma.
The case file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), whose advice led to the manslaughter charge.
Dead: Arif Azeez
