Sentenced to 14 years in prison for fatal stabbing in Sofia

RANDY Willings, a 33-year-old father of three and resident of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was sentenced to 14 years in prison last Thursday after being found guilty of the unlawful killing of mechanic Kevin Smith, 37.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Jo Ann Barlow in the Demerara High Court. The incident occurred on February 8, 2021, at Smith’s home at ‘C’ Field Reserve Dam in Sophia, following a heated argument between the two men.

According to the information obtained, the argument became even more intense after Willings stabbed Smith three times with a knife, once in the chest, once in the abdomen and once above the left knee, and then fled the scene.

Smith, who was seriously injured, was found by neighbors who called emergency responders. Despite his efforts, he died from his injuries shortly after arriving at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Following the investigation, Willings was arrested and initially charged with murder. He was later tried for the crime and found guilty by a jury on a lesser count of manslaughter.

During the sentencing hearing, the State Prosecutor, lawyer Mikel Puran, relied on the statement of aggravating circumstances that he had previously submitted to the court.
Defense lawyer Kiswana Jefford stressed Willings had no previous convictions, showed genuine remorse and was a good candidate for rehabilitation given his age. In conclusion, he urged the court to show tolerance and temper justice with mercy.

The probation report submitted to the court stated that Willings was generally a quiet person and had no history of violent behavior, and emphasized his good behavior while in prison.

Although convicted by a jury of his peers, Willings continued to maintain his innocence while expressing regret for the incident, the parole report said.

A parole officer concluded that the deaths of Willings’ parents contributed to his offending during his teenage years. In a victim impact statement read aloud by the prosecutor, Smith’s family called for justice. Willings apologized to Smith’s family and the court when given the opportunity to speak. “I am very sorry and I ask for your forgiveness,” the judge said.

In his sentencing speech, Judge Barlow acknowledged mitigating factors, including Willings’ lack of previous convictions. But he underlined the seriousness of the crime, the use of weapons and the lasting trauma inflicted on Smith’s family.

He emphasized that Smith was killed in the sanctity of his own home and noted his tendency to resort to violence to resolve disputes. He said jurors, with their guilty verdict, were satisfied “beyond a reasonable doubt” that Willings was responsible for the victim’s fatal injuries.

The judge decided to start with the base sentence of 18 years, which he deemed “fair and appropriate”, and reduced it by four years due to mitigating circumstances, making the final sentence 14 years.

The time Willings has spent in custody since February 2021 will be deducted from his sentence. Judge Barlow also ordered Willings to participate in behavior modification, academic and vocational training programs during his incarceration to prepare him for reintegration into society.

Although Willings’ upbringing was difficult, the judge emphasized that he was old enough to make an informed decision at the time of the crime.