Guyana Police Force (GPF) says it has arrested three persons in connection with the gruesome murder of Joel and Isaiah Henry.
The Police’s statement comes among mounting calls for a thorough investigation of the teens’ death as well as continued protest action by the residents of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.
The Police Force assured the nation that it is working aggressively to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The badly-mutilated bodies of 16-year-old Isiah Henry and 19-year-old Joel Henry were discovered almost one day after they went missing. They reportedly left on Friday their Number 3 Village, West Coast Berbice home to pick coconuts in the backdam.
Their disappearance prompted family members to launch several search parties to look for them. After hours of searching, the badly-chopped bodies were discovered among the bushes and were partially covered in mud.
The bodies were brought out on Sunday and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital.
Following the discovery and the gruesome manner in which the boys were murdered, Cotton Tree residents took to the streets. They blocked the roads and burned debris all while calling for justice.
The Police managed to clear the road Sunday night but early Monday morning, the residents were back on the streets demanding that swift action be taken.
In a statement on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn called on the residents to remain calm and promised to direct resources towards the thorough investigation of the murder.
“The Guyana Police Service is vigorously pursuing its investigations into this crime and is required to spare no lawful effort to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. These investigations must be complete and thorough.
“There are reports of a resumption of blockages of roads and associated bridges on the West Coast Berbice Highway. This activity will not aid, but will surely hamper, the overriding issue of resolving this crime expeditiously. The efforts of some agitators will, also, have a similar effect and lead to a general breakdown in public safety and security. I wish to urge all residents of the local communities to act in a manner that is lawful and helpful to the Police in aiding their work and in preserving the peace across and between all communities,” Minister Benn said.
President Irfaan Ali, Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon are among many leaders that have condemned the murder of Isaiah and Joel and called on the Police to bring the perpetrators to justice.
