Raynold John, a 24-year-old miner from Moruca Village, North West District, was stabbed to death at ‘Chiney Creek’ Backdam in the Puruni River. The incident occurred around 00:30hrs on Sunday last.
According to initial findings, it was revealed that the victim and the suspect were acquainted with each other as they worked in close proximity. Raynold John was employed by Francis Henry, a 53-year-old dredge owner, while the suspect, a 23-year-old miner from Karawabe Village in the Pomeroon River, worked on another dredge.
On Saturday afternoon around 17:30 hours, John left his camp and visited a nearby establishment that sold alcohol. He began drinking with friends, including the suspect. Unfortunately, an argument broke out between John and the suspect during the gathering.
Guyana Standard understands that John decided to leave the drinking spot and headed back to his camp. However, the 23-year-old suspect followed him into the camp where he was employed. It was at this point that the suspect allegedly drew a knife from his waist and stabbed John once in the center of his chest. The injury resulted in profuse bleeding, and John collapsed to the ground, becoming unresponsive.
Upon arrival at the scene, the police examined the body and observed a single stab wound to the center of the chest. Subsequently, a search was conducted for the suspect, who was later apprehended at a camp situated some distance away. The authorities processed and photographed the crime scene, recovering the knife used in the attack from a bench in the camp.
The body of Raynold John was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where medical professionals officially pronounced him dead.
The suspect was taken to the Bartica police station, where he provided a confession under caution. Additionally, a video interview was conducted, in which he reiterated his account of the incident.
Statements were recorded, and the suspect remains in police custody as investigations into the tragic event continue.
