A man was in the wee hours of Monday shot dead by a Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) businessman during an alleged robbery. Dead is 26-year-old Shawn Anthony Edwards of Lot 74 Alliance Road, Timehri, EBD.
Based on reports received, at about 02:30h, the businessman, of Timehri North, EBD, and his wife were reportedly awakened by strange noises coming from their bedroom door and upon checking, the businessman saw the doorknob moving.
As such, he armed himself with his licensed shotgun and opened the door. According to Police the man said that he saw a shadow moving swiftly in the house.
The businessman reportedly went after the shadow and saw a male going through his kitchen door.
However, the businessman told Police that upon confronting the suspect, it seemed as though he was reaching in his pocket for a weapon. A scuffle subsequently ensued and it is alleged that the suspect reportedly attempted to disarm the businessman of his weapon. During the commotion, however, shots were fired.
Upon hearing the gunshots, the suspect, according to Police, ran into the dining area of the house. At this point, the businessman discharged another round but the suspect reportedly went into hiding.
As the businessman made checks, he heard sounds emanating from behind a wall that leads to a private room and he again discharged another round. This time, the bullet reportedly passed through the wall and hit the suspect.
As a result, the injured man fell onto the floor and died. His body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. The police have not confirmed if a weapon was found in the possession of the dead man.
Meanwhile, when contacted, a sister of the dead man told Guyana Times that Police ranks showed up at their house at about 05:15h on Monday and enquired about Edwards.
“They come and ask who is the mental boy to us… after we tell them the relationship, we try to get information but the police refused to release any information… they went into his house and collected his birth certificate and other documents,” the sister noted.
The family members, nevertheless, went to the Timehri Police Station and upon constant enquiries, they were eventually told that he was shot and killed during a robbery. The police also claimed that a bag containing some of the stolen items was lodged as evidence.
The aggrieved sister explained that they then leant that the now dead man was drinking at the bar prior to the shooting.
They are calling on the police to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The woman stated that the businessman CCTV cameras and they have since requested to view the footage.
The police are continuing their investigations.
