Two sentenced to death over shooting

Balapitiya High Court Judge Ruchira Weliwatta ordered the death penalty yesterday (17) for two individuals accused of shooting a relative following a private dispute.

The defendants receiving the sentence are I. Asantha, also known as ‘John Kolla,’ and N.W.G. Indrasiri Jinapala, both residents of Hagaranwatta, Mitiyagoda.

While delivering the verdict, the judge noted that evidence confirmed the first defendant used a shotgun to shoot the victim in the head from a distance of about 5 to 6 meters.

It was emphasized in court that the death resulted from severe brain damage caused by ammunition penetrating the skull.

The judge stated the prosecution successfully proved the charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt, finding them guilty of the crime.

The Attorney General filed indictments against the pair for the shooting of A. Pradeep Kumara on or around September 24, 2014, in the Mitiyagoda area.

During the trial, it was revealed that the two defendants and the victim were relatives living in the same village.

State Counsel Senuri Gunathilaka appeared for the prosecution, while Attorneys-at-Law Amali Vatsala Jayasinghe and Gayan Malliawadu represented the first and second defendants, respectively. Mitiyagoda Police conducted the investigations into the crime.