Suspect sentenced to death over gruesome double homicide

Colombo (News 1st): An accused named Lokugamhewage Darshana also known Raju was sentenced to death over the gruesome murder of a mother and daughter aged 52 and 17 respectively in the Kotakethana area in Ratnapura in 2012. High Court Judge Vikum Kaluarachchi delivered the verdict today (October 15). This double homicide took place on January 31st, 2012. Though there were no eye witness accounts, the judge announced that the DNA reports that were submitted and the circumstantial evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that the murders were committed by the accused. The High Court ordered that the death sentence be given for two separate charges against the accused. The judges' verdict, which was 221 pages, notes that the severity of the cut wounds on the bodies of the two victims could be ascertained based on the bloodstains seen on the roof of the house where the murders were committed. It further notes that the attack had been carried out, with the intention of committing murder. The High Court Judge added that this is a verdict that he has taken a long period to prepare in his 25-year career.