An investigation has been launched into the murder of 25-year-old Jonnah Pedro, a labourer from Normandie, Brazil, who was fatally stabbed on Monday evening in Karasabai Village, South Pakaraimas.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Michael Francis of Rukumuta Village, South Pakaraimas, is currently hospitalised under police guard at Lethem Regional Hospital.
Dead: Jonnah Pedro
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 19:30h on Monday. Investigators disclosed that Pedro was the stepson of the suspect.
It was reported that Francis, along with his 53-year-old wife and 18-year-old daughter, left their home in Rukumuta Village on Sunday, and traveled to Karasabai to collect their cash grant, which was scheduled for distribution Monday.
Police said Pedro, who resided in Brazil and is the son of Francis’s wife, crossed the border into Guyana on the morning of Monday to claim his cash grant. He later met with his mother, stepfather, and stepsister at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office, where the distribution was taking place.
After receiving their cheques, the family reportedly went to a nearby shop and consumed beers before heading to the home of a 34-year-old relative.
While sitting in the yard, it was reported that Francis began discussing the recent killing of his brother, Moses Francis, who was allegedly murdered in Rukumuta Village on Saturday last.
During the conversation, Francis reportedly became aggressive, cursing and making threats to kill the person responsible for his brother’s death. Pedro attempted to calm him down, but this angered the suspect.
In the presence of Pedro’s mother and other relatives, Francis allegedly pulled a kitchen knife from his green haversack and stabbed Pedro in the head, right armpit, and right shoulder. Pedro ran a short distance before collapsing.
Pedro’s mother raised an alarm, and his stepsister rushed out of the house to assist. They attempted to disarm Francis, but he overpowered them and then stabbed himself in the chest.
Both men were taken to Karasabai District Hospital, where Pedro succumbed to his injuries. Francis was later transferred to Lethem Regional Hospital, where he remains under police guard in serious condition.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
