Prisoners jumped fence to escape Lusignan prison

The three men, two accused of murder and the other robbery and murder, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison on Wednesday jumped the south eastern fence of the Prison, Police Headquarters reported.

“An intensive manhunt is underway as investigation continues,” Police said in a statement.

The escapees have been identified as: Mark Rafino of Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, who is committed to stand trial for robbery and murder; Alex Mattias of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast who is committed to stand trial for murder; and Arnold Kennedy of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo who is committed to stand trial for murder.

Police said the men escape sometime between 17:30h Tuesday and 06:00h Wednesday.

The Police said the three men were inside the prison when prison guards did their regular checks at 17:00h Tuesday. However, at about 23:00h, the Joint Services ranks on the ground received information that prisoners had escaped. An alarm was raised but searches came up empty handed.

However, it was not until 06:00h Wednesday when a head count was made that the prison authorities realized the men were missing.

Kennedy was charged with the murder of 20-year-old fisherman Alvin called “Chockoloo” which occurred on July 18, 2019. Mattias was imprisoned for the murder a 23-year-old labourer of Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast which occurred December 31, 2018. Rafino was charged for the murder of 43-year-old barber, Dale Troy Hercules, during the course of a robbery.

Persons are being asked to be on the alert and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or 225-6411. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.