7 arrested as Police hunt 3 more suspects – Crime Chief

Berbice double murder

Days after the discovery of the badly-mutilated bodies of two teenage boys at the Cotton Tree backdam in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the Guyana Police Force has announced that seven persons are now in custody.
Those detained for the murders of 16-year-old Isaiah Henry and 19-year-old Joel Henry include the owner of an estate upon which bloodstains were found, his son, two coconut vendors, and several employees. This is a development of two new arrests.
On Tuesday afternoon, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum informed the media that they were pursuing three more persons in relation to the heinous crime. Their efforts, however, were stymied by the continued unrest, which has continued in the villages in West Berbice through acts of protests and violence. He has since asked persons to let the GPF lead their probe without any interference.
Members of the Joint Services are collaborating as they investigate the murders and try to restore peace in those communities. Samples are expected to be sent to the forensic laboratory as the investigation continues. Moreover, it was announced that a post-mortem examination will be conducted on the bodies of the two young men today.

The tortured bodies of the young lads were discovered one day after they went missing. They left home on Friday evening to pick coconuts in the backdam. Their tortured bodies were found on Sunday.

Intensive investigation
On Monday, ranks from the Major Crimes Unit revisited the crime scene to comb for additional evidence but the murder weapons are yet to be found. Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie had insisted that an intensive investigation will be conducted, as the Guyana Police Force probes the dreadful incident from a professional standpoint. He went on to say that the suspects are assisting with the investigation.
The disappearance of the young boys prompted family members to launch several search parties. After hours of searching, the badly chopped bodies were discovered among the bushes and were partially covered in mud.
At the scene on Sunday, Isaiah’s father, Gladstone Henry said when he found his son’s body, it had several wounds to the neck and face, and he could not come up with a reason why someone would want his son dead.
Joel Henry’s body was discovered a short distance away in a hole, with his face down. At the time he was carrying a bag on his back. The bodies were taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital on Sunday.
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn also came out on Monday to express shock at the events which unfolded, noting that the “countrywide distress, abhorrence and condemnation” were keenly felt.
In this regard, it was positioned that the Force has been tasked with ensuring that justice is served for the grieving families, through a comprehensive investigation.
He added that the Police Force is vigorously pursuing its investigations “and is required to spare no lawful effort to bring the perpetrators to justice. These investigations must be complete and thorough.”
With respect to the protest actions, Benn shared that this will not change what has happened but it will affect safety and security in the community. He urged those persons to remain calm and let the law take its course in punishing those culpable.