Police are investigating the murder of an 18-year-old resident of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who was fatally stabbed in a violent altercation on Friday afternoon. The incident took place at Samatta Point Grove, EBD. A 15-year-old boy, who is alleged to have been involved in the fatal stabbing, is currently in police custody.
According to initial reports from the police, the victim, Dowancee Demonick of Lot 657 Kaneville, EBD had a long-standing dispute with the 15-year-old suspect, believed to have started over a football game. Investigators said that the altercation unfolded around 16:30h on November 1, and escalated into a physical confrontation that ultimately led to Demonick’s death.
Accounts from witnesses indicated that Demonick left home on a bicycle around 15:30h, telling family members he was heading out but not specifying his destination. However, about 30 minutes later, he was seen crossing a wooden bridge in the village, reportedly followed by the 15-year-old suspect and the suspect’s brother. Demonick was allegedly carrying a piece of wood, suggesting he might have anticipated a confrontation.
It is believed that an argument broke out between Demonick and the suspect, quickly escalating to violence. During the scuffle, the two reportedly fell to the ground. Police said that at this point, the 15-year-old suspect allegedly used a pair of scissors to stab Demonick multiple times, while his brother, armed with a hockey stick, struck Demonick as he lay on the ground.
The injured Demonick was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Medical personnel noted multiple stab wounds on his body. His remains have been transferred to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.
Following the incident, the 15-year-old suspect was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for treatment of a head injury sustained during the altercation. He was later arrested at the hospital. Police conducted an initial interview with the suspect, with his father present, and statements have also been taken from other witnesses.
Investigations are ongoing.
This is the second teen who was killed in less than a week during a stabbing incident. On Sunday last, 13-year-old Kareem Durant, was fatally stabbed by an 11-year-old friend during a confrontation at Cummings Park in ‘E’ Field Sophia. Police reports indicate that Durant, a student at Carmel Secondary School, and the younger boy had been friends and often played together in the neighbourhood.
On the evening in question, 13-year-old Durant confronted the 11-year-old suspect sitting on a stack of PVC pipes outside his home, allegedly pushing him off. The younger boy ran to inform his older brother, who then confronted Durant, leading to a heated argument.
Later, Durant returned with a friend armed with scissors, and the friend stabbed the older brother of the suspect in the back.
In retaliation, the 11-year-old pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed Durant in the chest. Durant fled but collapsed outside his home and was pronounced dead at Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). (G9)
