Teen gold miner charged with murder of employer

…19-year-old arrested for tour guide’s murder

A 19-year-old gold miner of Tapacuma Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal incident at 14 Miles Issano Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Ewart Baychu, known as “Ewie”, was charged with the offence of murder contrary to common law in relation to the alleged killing of John José Marciano on February 7.
Baychu appeared on Wednesday at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court via Zoom before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir. The charge was read to him, and he was not required to plead and was remanded to prison.
The matter was adjourned to March 27.
Police had reported that Marciano, 55, was found brutally chopped to death at a mining camp at 14 Miles Issano, Middle Mazaruni River, during the early hours of Saturday. The incident reportedly occurred around 03:45h on Saturday last. Preliminary investigations had revealed that Marciano was at his mining camp when an incident occurred. He was later discovered slouched on the ground within the camp, suffering from multiple chop wounds about his body. A cutlass believed to be the murder weapon was recovered in close proximity to the body. The body was later taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital for an official pronouncement of death.
The teen was employed by Marciano.

Tour guide’s murder
In a separate matter, Police have arrested another 19-year-old as part of an investigation into the murder of John Elliot, 21, a tour guide of Surama Village, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).
According to Police, ranks carried out an intelligence-led operation at about 23:30h on Tuesday at a residence in Annai Village, North Rupununi. During the operation, a 19-year-old of Annai Village was arrested.
The suspect is under investigation in relation to the murder of Elliot, which occurred on September 21, 2025, at Annai Village.
Police reported that several individuals were present at the house when ranks arrived. A search was conducted, and a quantity of suspected cannabis was found in the possession of the 19-year-old suspect.
Five male juveniles and a 21-year-old man were also arrested and taken to the Annai Police Station, where they are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The suspected narcotics were weighed in the presence of the suspect and amounted to 11 grams before being lodged.
Reports are that Elliot was fatally stabbed in the wee hours of Sunday during a row at the Amerindian Heritage celebrations at Annai, Region Nine.
The 21-year-old tour guide at Atta Rainforest Lodge was a resident of Surama Village, North Rupununi.
According to the Police, Elliot was allegedly stabbed and subsequently died during a confrontation with three male suspects.