Earlon “Orlando” Towler yesterday pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Lancelot Captain during a November 2024 stabbing in Kwakwani.
Towler appeared before Chief Justice Navindra Singh, represented by attorney-at-law Clyde Forde. State Counsel Christopher Belfield and Praneta Seeraj represented the prosecution.
He was indicted for attempting to commit murder. An alternative charge of wounding with intent was withdrawn.
According to the agreed facts, Towler and Captain were consuming alcohol at a Kwakwani ball field on November 2, 2024, when Towler took Captain’s drink, slapped him and left.
Captain later went to Towler’s residence, complained to Towler’s mother and asked her to tell Towler to stay away from him.
As Captain walked home, Towler allegedly approached him from behind and stabbed him twice in the back. A scuffle followed as Captain tried to retrieve the knife, during which he sustained eight additional stab wounds.
Captain collapsed and was taken to Kwakwani Hospital before being transferred to the Linden Hospital Complex. He was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital on November 5, 2024, where he underwent surgery.
A medical report listed five stab wounds to his back, one each to his right and left shoulders, one to his left forearm, one to the left lateral aspect of his thorax and a penetrating wound to his right thoracic region. The injuries were deemed life-threatening.
Towler was arrested on November 2, 2024.
Before accepting the plea, the court questioned Towler about his understanding of the charge and the consequences of pleading guilty. He initially said he did not know what was happening, claimed Captain had attacked him first at the ball field, and said he was being forced to plead guilty because his attorney had told him to do so.
After further questioning, Towler confirmed that the agreed facts were true, that he understood he was giving up his right to a trial and that he wished to plead guilty. He also confirmed that he had not taken any drugs, alcohol or medication that could affect his understanding.
The court was told that Forde advised Towler that the offence carries a maximum sentence of 15 years and that his guilty plea, probation reports and evidence of remorse could be considered during sentencing.
The court accepted the plea.
Towler is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2026, before Chief Justice Navindra Singh.
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