Linden man charged with murder of US-based Guyanese

Joel Harding, a construction worker of Coomacka Mines, Upper Demerara River, was on Monday charged with the murder of Courtney Evans, a 49-year-old United States (US)-based Guyanese businessman.

The charge stems from an incident on August 31, 2025, at Coomacka Mines, where Evans was killed. Harding, 28, was arrested on September 1 by a rank from the Mackenzie Police Station. He appeared before Magistrate Ruschell Liverpool at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on September 8, where the charge was read to him. Harding was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to prison.
The matter has been adjourned to October 20.

Reports are that on August 31, Evans was in the company of his brother, 47-year-old truck driver Tyrone Otis Evans and a friend, at the Coomacka Mines Beach around 20:00h and were consuming alcohol when they encountered four males and a female who were also imbibing. Police said an argument broke out after the female allegedly directed a derogatory remark at Tyrone Evans. The exchange escalated into a physical altercation involving both groups. Shortly after, the female and her group reportedly left the location in a white minibus. During the incident, Courtney Evans sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to the right side of his lower back, right side of his head, and left elbow. He was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he died while receiving treatment.

Other persons injured in the brawl were also taken to the hospital. Tyrone Evans received a wound to his forehead, while Harding sustained injuries to his left arm and right elbow. Another individual, 28-year-old Evan Herman of Coomacka Mines, suffered two wounds to the left side of his head and underwent surgery. His condition is listed as stable. The body of Courtney Evans was taken to the G. Jetsco Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.