Man goes berserk – attempts to murder friends, rapes teen, then commits suicide

An Essequibo River man went berserk early Wednesday morning just after his birthday celebration, attempting to kill three of his friends, raping a teen, and then taking his own life.

Police reported that Raphael Charles, who had a speech impairment, celebrated his 23^rd birthday with friends in Bartica on Tuesday night.

However, after his friends retired to bed, Charles was left in the company of a 15-year-old, who was watching television.

At about two and a half hours after midnight, Charles reportedly suddenly took up a knife and slashed the teen’s neck.

He then proceeded into the house of 56-year-old Keith James and his wife Patricia and dealt them several stabs about their bodies, causing severe injuries.

They reportedly ran out of the house. Charles then reportedly raped a 14-year-old girl.

Later, Charles was seen by the others hanging himself in James’ house.

The victims were all taken to the Bartica District Hospital where they were seen by doctors and admitted as patients and subsequently referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further treatment; their condition is regarded as serious but stable.

Charles’ body is at the Bartica Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.