Businessman arraigned for death of teenager at Puruni Landing

– angry mob attacks, destroys shop of murder accused

The shop belonging to a businessman who was accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Dane Jerrick was attacked and destroyed by an angry mob. The shooting incident took place about a week ago in Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Members of the mob reportedly attacked the workers after they stormed the shop, after which they collected a quantity of goods. They then destroyed the building.
However, the 43-year-old businessman, Junior France of Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), was arraigned for the teenager’s death and remanded to prison by Magistrate Crystal Lambert, via skype on Friday.
It was reported that on the day in question, at about 03:30h at Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River, Jerrick was shot in the lower back by the businessman.
However, the teen’s uncle, George Jerrick has told Guyana Times that his family was told that his nephew and a driver had an argument which quickly escalated into a scuffle.

During the fight, Jerrick attempted to escape the blows but it was at that time that someone in the crowd identified the now dead man as a thief. The businessman, who was in close proximity, reportedly drew his weapon and shot Jerrick.
This angered the residents and eyewitnesses who said that France had no reason to open fire on the young man. During the attack by residents, the businessman’s workers were allegedly beaten.

Guyana Times understands that the mob even attempted to burn the building down, but only managed to scorch a section of the shop.