As crime continues to spiral out of control, a West Ruimveldt, Georgetown man was in the wee hours of Monday gunned down following an altercation with a group of men at a function in East La Penitence.
Dead: Paul “Shirts” Rodney
Paul Rodney, also called “Shirts”, of Lot 530 West Ruimveldt, was found lying in a pool of blood at Avocado Avenue, West Ruimveldt with at least seven gunshot wounds about his body.
Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that about 02:55h, a mobile patrol on Mandela Avenue heard several loud explosions and went to investigate. Upon arrival, a group of men was observed running as they discharged several rounds into the air.
Upon checking the area, the Police noticed the 31-year-old man lying motionlessly and he was covered in blood. Without hesitation, he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Police have since confirmed that the man’s body bore seven gunshot wounds.
When Guyana Times visited the dead man’s home on Monday morning, his uncle, Derick Rodney, explained that he was at home and received the news about 04:35h. He said that he passed by the scene where the shooting took place, but left the Police to continue their investigation.
He noted that upon enquiring, the family was told that his nephew was at a function during which an argument ensured followed by an altercation. He also noted that after the altercation, his nephew attempted to escape, but his attackers went after him and opened fire.
The shooting incident took place a short distance from where the party was held.
The uncle stated that he was not aware if his nephew was involved in any criminal activities since he was dedicated to his ill father, who he took care of.
“He provides for his father, his father is unable to move and as a result of that, he is with his father…his father has to be receiving care on a 24-hour basis, so he is with him,” the uncle stated.
On the other hand, the Police are claiming that Rodney is a known character and has been engaged in several brushes with the law. Meanwhile, detectives have recovered several spent shells at the scene that belonged to a small-calibre weapon.
The Police are yet to make an arrest in the matter, as they continue to question several key persons who were present at the function. (Bhisham Mohamed)
