Woman charged with murder of her live-in mate

After a week-and-a-half of speculation and wide-spread rumours surrounding the death of Rakesh Sutherland, a 22-year-old cashier of Queen’s Drive was brought before the Serious Offences Court on Monday, October 20, 2008, to answer a murder charge.{{more}}

Murder accused Shannet Cumberbatch was greeted outside the precincts of the Courthouse by boisterous family members and curious onlookers who flocked to get a glimpse of the accused woman.

Cumberbatch was not allowed to plea and was remanded to the lone female correctional facility at Fort Charlotte until January 5, 2009. Attorney Grant Connell represents Cumberbatch in the matter.

Reports state Cumberbatch was at home with Sutherland at Queens Drive, on Friday October 10 when he met his death. According to police reports, the mechanic was hit at the back of his head with a piece of stick on Saturday at about 3:45 a.m; he died two days later at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. (KW)