Miner shot dead during drinking spree at Blackwater Backdam

A 45-year-old gold miner of Company Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was taken into Police custody after he was accused of murdering a miner at Blackwater Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Thursday evening.
Based on reports received, the incident took place at about 21:30h and resulted in the death of Moses Chapelle, called “Bizo”. His age and address are unknown.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased had returned to Blackwater Landing with another man after visiting a mining operation in the backdam. The two were reportedly imbibing in the vicinity of a shop when a loud explosion, suspected to be a gunshot, was heard.
Chapelle was reportedly seen collapsing shortly after, with what appeared to be blood on his back.
He was later transported with assistance from persons at the landing to the Puruni Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead hours later. An examination of his body revealed a small circular wound to the left lower back region.
Police visited the scene where bloodstains were observed on the ground. Samples were collected for analysis as investigations continue.
The suspect remains in custody assisting with the investigation. The body of the deceased has been escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.