Lethem man arrested for abusing wife found dead in Police lock-ups
A man, who was arrested for domestic violence, was on Monday found dead in the Lethem Police Station, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) lockups.
Dead is 37-year-old Carl Benedict also known as Paul Benedict, of St. Ignatius Village, Lethem.
Dead: Carl Benedict, also known as Paul Benedict
On Monday, the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) launched an investigation into the apparent suicide which occurred sometime between 05:00h and 07:45h at Lethem Police Station.
Police said that Benedict and his wife have been together for 18 years however, during their relationship, she was subjected to constant physical abuse. These incidents were reported to the police at Lethem Police Station, and the father of five was charged and taken to court.
On May 16, 2023, he was found guilty of one of the charges and was fined $10,000.
On Sunday, Police in Lethem received a call from a concerned resident reporting that Benedict was assaulting his wife.
Ranks responded to the report, and he was arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station. Police said that at the station, his clothes were removed, and he was placed in a cell by himself with only shorts, while his wife’s statement was being taken. She was also issued with a medical certificate and escorted to seek medical attention for her injuries.
However, at about 07:45h on Monday, the ranks entered the lockups and discovered Benedict dead.
He was transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor. A post-mortem examination will be conducted shortly, Police said.
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide, please call the 24-hour suicide prevention helpline at 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896 and speak with a professional counsellor.
