Guyanese blamed Kali for slitting girlfriends’ throat gets 20yrs
By IKIMULISA LIVINGSTON - New York Post
April 26, 2006 — A Queens man who insisted a Hindu goddess made him slit his girlfriend’s throat was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for manslaughter.
Guyanese immigrant Krisna Soogrim said nothing to Supreme Court Justice Robert Hanophy - not mentioning the goddess Kali whom he blamed when he took a plea deal earlier this month.
The 38-year-old former construction worker admitted he killed Jagat Velaidam, 34, on Feb. 7, 2002.
The two were arguing in their basement apartment in Hollis when Soogrim grabbed a knife and slit Velaidam’s throat. The wound was so deep, it nearly sliced off her head, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Soogrim then went to a bar for nearly six hours and returned home to call 911.
