Family fingers police in soldier’s execution

by Leroy Smith

The relatives of murdered Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Lance Corporal Kevon Payne are suggesting that his killing may have been sanctioned by someone who has connections with senior players within the Guyana Police Force.

Speaking with News Room this morning at their Sussex Street, Charlestown home, relatives said that they received threats as recently as last week, following the shooting of a Smyth Street resident, Oriley Small.

Some time back, the now dead soldier lost his older sister, whose body was found in a trench and according to the family members, nothing came out of that story and they are of the view that should they remain silent on this encounter, the latest family tragedy may also go down as an unsolved killing.

Last night Payne was standing on the road way, hours after returning home from work for a few days, when men riding on what persons described as CG motorcycles, opened fire killing him instantly. The incident took place right in front of the man’s home at approximately 21:00hrs.

On Wednesday morning head of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Geary Beaton along with several other persons from his unit visited the home of the dead soldier.

Contacted yesterday, head of the Guyana Defence Force, Mark Phillips said based on the preliminary information he received, the rank was disciplined rank and was never subjected to any disciplinary action within the organization.

The relatives of the dead father of two are calling for a proper police investigation and that the players involved in the killing be brought to justice.