East Canje robbery: Teen among 3 to confess to killing Chinese national

Police say three males, including a 17-year-old, have admitted to their involvement in the killing of 61-year-old Chinese national Chen Yongping during a robbery at Cumberland, East Canje.

In an official statement, Police confirmed that the suspects, two 29-year-old men from the Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme and the 17-year-old from Bun Bush Dam, Canje, were arrested, cautioned and interviewed, during which they admitted to their roles in the robbery that resulted in Chen’s death.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, at about 05:00h, shortly after Chen and his 32-year-old son returned home from the Port Mourant Market, where they had gone to purchase cassava for their small chip-manufacturing business.
Police said the men were attacked shortly after driving into their yard. Both were robbed of cash and cellular phones valued at more than $1 million. They were rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where Chen later succumbed to his injuries. His son was treated and later discharged.
According to the Police, the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Video-recorded interviews were conducted as part of the probe, and charges are expected to be laid after legal advice is obtained.
While Police have not released operational details of the crime, Guyana Times understands that investigators have since pieced together how the robbery was planned and carried out.
Information obtained indicates that the robbery was allegedly planned the day before it was executed. The 17-year-old was reportedly contacted by the two older men and invited to take part in the plan.
It is understood that on the morning of the attack, shortly after 05:30h, the teenager was picked up and later taken near the victims’ home at Cumberland. He was allegedly instructed to remain some distance away to act as a lookout while the two older suspects entered the yard.
After the robbery, the suspects are said to have regrouped and left the area in a vehicle. The teenager was later dropped off at his home and reportedly received a share of the stolen money.
It is further understood that he later destroyed the clothing he had worn during the incident by burning it beneath the Canje Bridge. Additionally, one of the suspects allegedly disposed of a cellular phone by throwing it from a moving vehicle while travelling toward Georgetown, fearing it could be traced.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the East Canje community, where Chen was known as a hard-working businessman who operated a small agro-processing venture from his home. Residents have since renewed calls for increased Police patrols and stronger crime-prevention measures in the area.
The three remain in custody as detectives continue their investigations.