Damion Morgan, 28, of Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice, was remanded to prison on Thursday when he appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder and discharging a loaded firearm with intent against 27-year-old Vasanti Gordon of Islington Village, East Bank Berbice.
Morgan, who was represented by attorney-at-law Stacy Gooding, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias, where the charges were read to him. He was not required to plead.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Collin Clark said the case file remains incomplete and, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), further work is required.
The prosecution objected to bail, citing that Morgan is a repeat offender and currently on bail in a separate robbery-under-arms matter. The seriousness of the offence and the alleged use of a firearm were also highlighted.
In a bail application, Gooding said Morgan is a taxi driver and heavy-duty equipment operator who has taken steps to reform, including completing a heavy-duty equipment training course and graduating third in his class.
She said he voluntarily surrendered after learning of the case on social media and has consistently attended court in other matters. She also noted that no wanted bulletin was issued for him.
However, the prosecution said police pursued Morgan after the April 11 incident while he was on a motorcycle and that he went into hiding before surrendering on April 20.
Magistrate Matthias acknowledged the defence submissions but cited the seriousness of the allegations, the existence of another pending matter, and concerns over flight risk in refusing bail. Morgan was remanded and the matter adjourned to May 14 for report.
Police allege the incident occurred on April 11 at Islington Village, when Gordon was attacked while seated in her vehicle. She sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was also struck with a firearm before being threatened. She was treated at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital and admitted for further care.
