A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain has been arrested following a Saturday morning shooting which resulted in the death of his girlfriend in Alexander Village, Georgetown.
According to reports received, at around 11:00h, the couple was in a car bearing registration number PWW 7163, proceeding along First Street, Alexander Village.
Subsequently, residents of the area heard the now dead woman who has been identified as Reona Payne, and the GDF Captain Orwain Sandy arguing, after which she was reportedly seen exiting the vehicle. Sandy then followed her carrying a loaded firearm. There was a scuffle between the two after which the GDF Captain discharged several rounds in the direction of the woman, killing her instantly. Guyana Times was told that the woman sustained approximately eight gunshot wounds.
Reona Payne and Captain Orwain Sandy in happier times
An eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, stated, “They went fighting, then the man kick she and start shoot she up. You gah seh the magazine empty”.
“He peep over she and then went inside the vehicle and turn around and gone he way,” the eyewitness added.
Immediately after the shooting, Sandy was seen entering his vehicle and left the scene. He reportedly visited the Brickdam Police Station where he explained what transpired and was taken into Police custody. Residents of the area after hearing the gunshots also summoned the Police.
When this publication visited the scene, the woman’s lifeless body was covered on the roadway as Police ranks cordoned the area, collecting the spent shells as evidence.
While information as to what led to the shooting remains sketchy, Guyana Times understands Payne and Sandy shared the same household after separating from their respective spouses. Payne was previously married to a businessman with whom she shared two children. On the other hand, Captain Orwain Sandy was the aide-de-camp (personal assistant) of the Chief-of-Staff.
The woman’s body being examined by investigators
Shortly after the incident, the GDF issued a statement which revealed that Captain Orwain Sandy is interdicted from duties while the Chief-of-Staff has ordered the Inspector General of the GDF to conduct a Board of Inquiry (BoI) into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Meanwhile, the Force also stated it is deeply saddened by the incident and reassurance is given to the general public that this is an isolated incident and does not reflect the values and standards of the GDF. Sincere condolences are also outgoing to the relatives of the late Reona Payne.
