🔨 Grocer faces murder charges over fatal parking lot altercation

Bryan Roy Welcome, a 42-year-old grocer, is facing murder charges for allegedly running over his business associate, Omar Ryan, in a parking lot following a dispute over a debt. The incident, which took place off David Foster Road last July, resulted in Ryan sustaining multiple blunt trauma and internal injuries, including heavy internal bleeding. He died in hospital about an hour later. The prosecutor, Scott Wainwright, argued that Welcome's intent to kill or cause serious harm is key to the case against him. Welcome, however, has denied the murder charge, claiming self-defence as he believed Ryan had a weapon and had threatened him. 🚔

The two men had worked together for several years, with Welcome supplying groceries to Ryan on credit. The fatal altercation occurred when they encountered each other at a restaurant in George Town. CCTV footage showed that Ryan had used his van to block Welcome in the parking lot, leading to an angry exchange. The argument continued at Welcome’s warehouse off David Foster Drive, where Welcome allegedly hit Ryan with his car, causing him to slide under the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries. Wainwright noted that while a subsequent kick from Welcome did not contribute to Ryan's fatal injuries, it was "indicative of his attitude toward the man on the ground". Welcome did call 911 after realising Ryan was severely injured. 🚑

Following the incident, Welcome was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. In a statement to the officers, he outlined the dispute and his belief that Ryan wanted to hurt him and may have had a weapon. He claimed that he had intended to drive away but hit Ryan, who had slipped and fallen under the car. The case is still ongoing. 🏛️