Crime sleuths in the Berbice district have reached a major breakthrough in the murder of an elderly Black Bush Polder couple.
A usually reliable source close to the investigation told Guyana Standard that detectives found a very important lead just a distance from where the couple lived. A cell phone and a trail of blood were found in the market area, which led to the arrest of two persons.
An additional three persons, based on information detectives received, were also arrested in connection with the murder. But of the three suspects, it was a 22-year-old man who confessed to the murder.
“During interrogation, he broke down and confessed to the crime. He told detectives that he and another male orchestrated the crime to rob the couple who had a business at their residence,” the source said.
The source continued, “But during the robbery, the couple recognized them and they both decided to kill them and torch the house to hide evidence. He told detectives that he was sorry and that they didn’t intend to kill them,” the source said.
The suspect also told detectives that the items that were stolen from the couple’s house were at his home. A number of cellphone phone cards, cash and jewellery belonging to the couple were found.
The couple was identified by their families as Sarasauti Devi Budraj and her husband Subnath Budraj. Their bodies were found in their Lot 26 Community Zone South Yakasari, Black Bush Polder home.
Neighbours told police that sometime around 3:00 AM, they heard loud crackling sounds coming from the couple’s home. The smell and sight of smoke subsequently led another neighbour to raise an alarm.
Soon after, residents formed a bucket brigade and managed to save the structural integrity of the home. While there were damages to the furniture and other appliances, there was no extensive damage.
The couple was however found face down, on the floor of their living room in a pool of their own blood. When detectives arrived on the scene and examined the bodies, Mr. Budraj was found with his throat slit, while his wife was bore stab wounds.
