Excavator operator slapped with murder charge

An excavator operator accused of brutally killing a gold miner during a drinking spree at Big Mara Mara Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) has been remanded to prison.

Dexter Agrian, called “Adrian”, a 41-year-old of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), appeared on Tuesday before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court where the charge of murder was read to him. He was not required to plead and was remanded to prison. The case will continue on October 30. Agrian was charged with the murder of 38-year-old Mark Benn, also called “Tattoo”, of Lot 218 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden. Benn was killed on the night of September 11. Reports indicate that earlier that evening, Benn was drinking at a shop owned by dredge operator Floyd Paul, 28, in the company of Venezuelan national Fabiana Garcia, 35, and another Venezuelan woman. Agrian later joined them, and the group drank Guinness, played music, and danced.

According to Police, at about 23:00h, Benn allegedly asked Garcia for sex. When she refused, Benn disconnected her cellphone, which had been playing music. Agrian reportedly intervened, grabbing Benn by the waist, but Benn objected. Agrian then allegedly pulled a 13-inch double-edged knife from his waist and chopped Benn twice, once to the back of the head and once to the neck, almost decapitating him.
The shop owner contacted the police, who arrested Agrian shortly afterwards and the murder weapon was recovered. When questioned, the suspect reportedly told investigators: “Sir, I drink couple well Guinness and I can’t remember exactly what happened.” Agrian was later escorted to the Bartica Police Station and was charged with murder.