Mahaicony rice farmer found dead 1 day after brawl

The body of a rice farmer was on Wednesday morning found floating in a trench at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Dead is Richard Persaud, called “Rasho”.
Reports are that the 42-year-old rice farmer of Wash Clothes, Mahaicony, along with a 34-year-old labourer, a 47-year-old rice farmer, and another male, all of whom are from Wash Clothes, were cooking and imbibing, opposite the house belonging to the 34-year-old friend of the now-deceased man about 17:00h on September 20.
According to Police in Regional Division Number Five, the murder occurred about 21:30h at Wash Clothes, Mahaicony.
Police said that a tractor driver’s 36-year-old brother, who is a rice farmer of Johanna Creek, Mahaicony, was driving in his car behind the tractor. However, an argument ensured between the 34-year-old friend of the now-deceased man and the 36-year-old suspect. who went into his motor car, collected an object and stabbed him.
Friends of the deceased then dealt the suspect several lashes and he ran into the yard and they ran after him.
“It is unclear what transpired after that as the deceased (Richard) was not seen nor he did not return home and his family began to search for him. On 21st September 2022 about 09:00 hrs a body was seen floating in a trench in front of the 34-year-old’s home at Wash Clothes, Mahaicony,” Police said in a statement.
The body was retrieved from the canal, and according to Police, when it was examined, a stab wound was seen in the middle of the chest and bruises to the left eye.
Persaud’s wife identified him and he was taken to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
An investigation has been launched.