DNA results confirm burnt body found in car was that of witness in murder trial

Crime Chief (ag), Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston, confirmed on Friday that the burnt remains found in the trunk of a burnt car on November 1, 2019 at Letter T, Mahaicony was that of 36-year-old Collin Rodney, who was expected to be a key witness in a murder trial.

“The results have been uplifted by us from the forensic lab and they did indicate that the remains found in that car trunk is that of Mr Collin Rodney,” the Crime Chief said.

Rodney was the key witness in the murder trial of his cousin Marlon Rodney.

He went missing while on his way to court on October 25.

Marlon was a taxi driver; on the day in question, he was walking along Norton Street when he was shot by someone he had an argument with. He was reportedly shot four times in his left leg and never regained consciousness after he underwent surgery.

The Crime Chief said when the DNA results were uplifted on Wednesday, he personally contacted Rodney’s mother, Jacqueline Hunte. This is the first DNA test to be done locally at the Forensic Lab.

“We have already made arrangements to release the remains to her for either burial or cremation.”

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had also confirmed in November last year that the chassis number on the burnt vehicle was registered to Rodney.