“He recognised someone there that made him feel safe” – mother of murdered man

Family members of the late Garfield Newton, a 40-year-old resident of Lot 545 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, who was shot dead moments after collecting several pieces of jewellery which he had taken to be cleaned at a goldsmith in Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, believe he knew his killer.

The man, who had worked as a bodyguard attached to the Beharry Group of Companies, was shot dead by three bandits.
On December 24, Garfield went to his goldsmith at Campbell Street, where he collected one silver band, one gold chain and two gold rings.
After collecting the items, he headed toward his company’s motor van, GPP 7505, which was parked on Sussex Street, Albouystown.
However, about five minutes later, the goldsmith was informed by a teenager that Newton had been shot and was lying on the street. As a result, the goldsmith went out and saw Newton lying motionless on his abdomen.
EMTs from the Georgetown Public Hospital were summoned, and they pronounced him dead on the scene. His body was examined, and a gunshot wound was seen on his left chest.
In an interview with another section of the media, the dead man’s mother, Leona Walton-Boston, said she is of the belief that her son felt safe with the person/s who killed him, since he let his guard down.
The woman said that, knowing her son, who is into martial arts, if he knew he was in danger, he would have given the suspect/s a fight.
“He recognised somebody there that he felt safe with…he knew and felt the person knew him. That is why Garfield didn’t put himself in alert mode. He just walked right into that. They killed my son, and justice must prevail”, the woman said.
The woman has said that whoever is responsible for her son’s death must face the full brunt of the law.
“Whether friend or foe or stranger, I go on my knees every day for this. My son never hurt nobody…he worked at Beharry for 14 years, and everybody respected him”.
Further, Boston has spoken to young Guyanese men who are involved in criminal activities and are costing families their loved ones.
She said: “These young men, your comeuppance is coming. It might be short, it might be long, but be rest assured that your comeuppance is coming”.
Following the man’s death, a wanted bulletin was issued by the Police for 18-year-old Kevin Carter, also known as “Lil Boy”, of West Ruimveldt Squatting Area, Georgetown, for questioning in relation to the murder. But up to news time on Wednesday, the teen has not yet been arrested as Police continue their investigation. (G9)