-now wants trial amid claims of innocence

-by Nakasia Logan

The murder case involving famed Entertainer Kerwyn Mars, popularly known as “Sir Mars”, took an unexpected turn today when the young man who pleaded guilty for his murder withdrew his plea.

Back in May 2026, Brian Richards had pleaded guilty to the murder of entertainer and educator Kerywn Mars popularly known as “Sir Mars”.

When he returned to court today for sentencing, however, things took a different turn as he professed his innocence and indicated that he no longer wishes to proceed with a guilty plea.

The 27-year-old labourer appeared before Justice Joy Persaud-Singh at the Demerara High Court, where his earlier admission to the murder charge was revisited.

Richards reportedly indicated that he did not fully understand the implications of entering a guilty plea, resulting in his decision to seek a full trial.

Following this, the judge consulted with both the prosecution and Richard’s attorneys. Both parties indicated that the decision on how to proceed should be left to the court and after a five-minute adjournment, Justice Persaud-Singh ruled that the guilty plea would be vacated and the sentencing hearing aborted.

As a result, Richard’s case will be returned to the list of matters awaiting trial.

Richards is accused of killing Mars on May 7, 2023, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, following an altercation between the two men.

According to police investigations, Mars was in his grey Mitsubishi RVR when the confrontation allegedly escalated.

Investigators said Mars attempted to escape from the vehicle, but the car was reversed, striking him and pinning him against a concrete fence.