Police are investigating a disturbing incident in which a woman was shot with an arrow by her son-in-law, during a heated confrontation in the North West District, Region One (Barima Waini).
The victim, identified as 52-year-old Edith Gouveia, a pork-knocker from Five Star Landing, was attacked around 21:00h on Friday, by 28-year-old Romel Thomas, known locally as ‘Soldier’.
Injured: Edith Gouveia
According to police reports, Thomas arrived at Gouveia’s camp in a drunken state, which led to an argument. The confrontation escalated, prompting Gouveia to chase him away from the camp.
In response, Thomas became enraged, armed himself with a bow and arrow, and returned to the camp moments later.
Without warning, Thomas allegedly aimed the bow and shot an arrow into the left side of Gouveia’s back.
The force of the attack caused the victim to fall to the ground, and Thomas quickly fled the scene in a canoe, escaping down the river.
Gouveia was immediately rushed to the Baramita Cottage Hospital for emergency treatment.
Due to the severity of her injury, she was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for an ultrasound and to have the arrow removed.
Gouveia is reported to be in stable condition following the procedure.
Police are actively pursuing the suspect, Romel Thomas, who remains at large.
Investigators have said that they are following leads and gathering information to locate him.
At this stage, the motive for the attack remains unclear, though authorities believe the incident stemmed from the earlier dispute between Thomas and his mother-in-law.
As investigations continue, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
