Police granted extension to further detain suspects

Sussex Street murders

The Guyana Police Force on Monday was successful in its application to the High Court to further detain four persons in connection with the two recent murders in Sussex Street, Charlestown last week.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum stated that two men were held for the execution of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Kevon Payne and two others were held for the gunning down of 57-year-old Gladstone Taylor called “Tuffy” of Adelaide Street, Charlestown.

While Blanhum did not provide any information with respect to the investigations,  Guyana Times understands that the two executions are linked. Once the case files are completed, they will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions who will determine whether or not charges will be laid against the detainees.
It was reported that on Tuesday, March 29 about 22:20h, Payne and another man, Shakel Williams, 22, of James Street, Albouystown, were among a group of men standing on the roadway at Lyng and Sussex Streets, Charlestown, when two men armed with firearms rode up on a motorcycle and discharged rounds in their direction.
Payne was hit about his body and Williams was hit to his right foot. As a result, Payne was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival while Williams was admitted.
The Police say ranks of a Police mobile patrol in the vicinity of the shooting responded to the sound of gunshots and confronted the two suspects who managed to escape after an exchange of gunfire with the ranks.
Three days after that shooting incident, Taylor who was accused of having a hand in the murder of the GDF coastguard was sitting at Adelaide and Sussex Streets, when two men rode up on a CG motorcycle and opened fire on him.
He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.