Rupununi tour guide burnt to death – PME; no arrests made

A post mortem examination (PME) conducted on the body of 38-year-old Leon Baird, a Rupununi tour guide whose charred remains were discovered on Sunday, has confirmed that the man was burnt to death.
“A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as burns and indicated that the victim was alive prior to the fire,” the Guyana Police Force disclosed in a statement. Baird, fondly known as “Rasta”, was a resident of St Ignatius Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo), who was found dead on Sunday. Police said the man’s partially charred remains were found along the eastern bank of the Rupununi River, in close proximity to the Wichabai Ranch.
“Investigations revealed that a burnt vehicle was discovered on the eastern bank of the Rupununi River with what appeared to be partially charred remains of a human body inside,” the Police statement noted. The remains were removed and transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where the individual was duly pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. After the autopsy was conducted, the body was handed over to relatives for burial. DNA samples were also obtained as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Police said as part of the probe, it also discovered the remains of two cattle, suspected to have been shot. Items of evidential value, including a knife and spent shotgun shells, were recovered and lodged as part of ongoing examinations.
No arrests have been made.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) described Baird as an “exceptional tour guide” known for his “extensive knowledge and commitment to showcasing Guyana’s absolute beauty”. “We mourn the loss of a man who played a meaningful role in enhancing the visitor experience within the Rupununi region,” the Ministry and GTA said.
Visit Rupununi, which promotes regional tourism, described Baird as an “amazing, gentle and peaceful soul”.
“He was loyal and kind, always looking out for his family and friends. He had a deep love for learning and was constantly striving to better himself – studying plants, birds and other wildlife both in nature and through books. His curiosity, humility and care for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him,” it said.