Mobil Service Station bombing: Images of explosive device retrieved from prime suspect’s phone

– High Court extends detention for 9th suspect

As investigations continue into the deadly terror attack at the Mobil Service Station, Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, on Sunday evening, detectives were successful in retrieving the images of the explosive device used in the bombing.
This was according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who stated that the images were extracted from the prime suspect, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo’s mobile phone. He added that explosive experts are currently examining the images of the device to determine its type.
“The detectives have retrieved the images, but explosive experts are currently examining the same to determine whether or not it was a homemade bomb or another type of explosive,” Blanhum told the Guyana Times on Friday.
In addition, Blanhum noted that the Police have also successfully made an application to the High Court to further detain the ninth suspect. As such, all nine suspects are in custody as investigations continue.
On Thursday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had secured an extension to further detain eight of the nine suspects who were taken into custody for the deadly terror attack in Georgetown on Sunday evening after the 72-hour detention period had expired.

By law, persons are legally held for 72 hours, after which they are either released or the Police can request additional detention, which must be granted by a judge.
Just days ago, it was reported that the suspect and accomplices scouted the targeted location prior to the attack, which has left a six-year-old, Soraya Bourne from West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, dead and several others injured.
It was reported that suspects arrived in a motorcar that was parked in the vicinity of the ACME building. “Whilst there, one man exited the vehicle, walked over to the Mobil Service Station, walked around, then went into a KFC outlet, purchased chicken, and went back to the car,” Blanhum told this publication on Wednesday evening.
He further stated that after some time, the prime suspect exited the motorcar with a black bag and walked toward the service station. “And we all know what happened after that since it was all captured on camera.”
CCTV footage in the area captured the suspect attempting to dispose of two black garbage bags in a bin. Nevertheless, he was prevented from doing so by an attendant; instead, he walked toward the western side of the fuel station, shortly after which a loud explosion was heard coming from the section where bottled cooking gas was stored.

One day after the Police issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect, the clothes suspected to have been worn by him were found at a location in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). The GPF soon after announced a reward of $5 million for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect wanted for the crime.
It has further been established that Peodomo and another man, both Venezuelans, arrived in Guyana illegally by boat hours before the terror attack. More worrying is that the explosive was transported from Venezuela by the suspect.
In a confession statement, Peodomo indicated that he had brought the bomb from Venezuela and would have activated it when he exited the vehicle on Sunday evening. It was also confirmed that the prime suspect is affiliated with a criminal gang in his home country, which goes by the name “R”, linked to the Sindicato gang.
With investigations currently underway, the Guyana Police Force will be pursuing the death penalty in accordance with Sections 309A and 309B of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, which address acts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

This was confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, who emphasised that a young, innocent child was murdered, and had the suspect been successful in placing the bag in the bin, it could have been more detrimental. She is confident that President Dr Irfaan Ali will sign off on a death penalty for those found culpable of the terror attack.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud visited 12-year-old Seddia McIntosh and seven-year-old Reshard Lord, who remain hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Whilst there, she spoke with McIntosh’s parent and offered the Government’s support during this difficult period.  Both children are currently in stable condition and are on the path to recovery.
In addition, Dr Persaud visited the family of six-year-old Bourne and shared similar sentiments. The family are in the process of making funeral arrangements.
The minister noted that through the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and the Difficult Circumstances Unit (DCU), the ministry continues to offer counselling and emotional and financial support to the family.