After evading law enforcement for over a year, Shawn Thomas, a key suspect in the 2022 murder of Ray Wame Narine, was apprehended by the police on Friday following a tip-off from the deceased’s father.
Thomas, who also faces a two-year imprisonment sentence for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, was captured at Grill King on Mandela Avenue.
The Guyana Police Force had issued a wanted bulletin for Thomas and his son, Ackime Richards in connection with the fatal shooting of Narine, which took place on September 22, 2022, at Sandhill Landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Police reports stated that the motionless body of Narine was found covered with several tree branches in the northern corner of the main access road, in Region Seven.
Suspect’s son, Ackime Richards
Upon examination, two gunshot wounds were seen to the chest area along with one-inch lacerations to the abdomen and shoulder. A two-inch laceration was also seen on his right arm.
One suspected exit wound was observed on the right side of his back, and a warhead was also recovered near the victim which appears to be .32 (calibre) ammunition. Investigations revealed that Narine and his brother operated a dredge in the Sand Hill Backdam.
The surviving brother had explained to the Police that he and his brother left their 4-inch mining operation and went to Sand Hill Landing, Cuyuni River, and while sitting on the front step of the Shanaz Allicock shop, a Honda XR motorcycle approached from a western direction with Thomas and his son.
Dead: Ray Wame Narine
Ron Narine said he recognised the pillion rider, as only a few days prior he had an altercation with him, and he relieved him of a firearm and ammunition, which was later handed over to the Police.
He said the suspects dismounted the motorcycle, hurriedly walked in their direction with handguns, and started to discharge several rounds in their direction.
After the shooting, they escaped in a western direction and while running, the suspects were still discharging rounds in their direction. Ron added that while running, he saw his brother collapse on the roadway, and he continued to run and sought refuge in some bushes where he remained for about two hours before returning to the landing.
Upon arrival, he found his brother lying motionless on the road with what appeared to be blood on him. He later learned that the suspects had made good their escape.
Thomas is currently in police custody pending further investigation and it is still unclear if his son [the suspect] was ever captured.
