Ezekiel Hawker also known as ‘Alpha’ who was wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of 28-year-old Deon Charles known as ‘Zip’ was Wednesday arrested in neighbouring Suriname.
Charles was gunned down on Christmas Eve night at James Street Albouystown, Georgetown.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, in a statement, said that the 19-year-old suspect was nabbed by law enforcement officials in Suriname who were informed by local investigators that the suspect had fled the jurisdiction in an attempt to evade capture.
As a result of the collaborative efforts, Hawker was handed over by the officials from Suriname to local investigators who promptly arrested him and placed him in custody.
Subsequently, the allegation of murder was put to Hawker and he admitted to committing the act, the statement noted.
Charles reportedly told investigators that he shot and killed Charles, who had previously shot him on two occasions.
Investigators also have in custody the driver of the car which transported the suspect to and from the scene; he is also cooperating with the detectives.
The probe is ongoing and upon completion, the case file will be sent for legal advice, police noted.
It was reported that Charles was standing on the southern side of James Street when a white Axio drove up from an eastern direction and stopped in front of him.
Two men reportedly exited the back seat of the car and approached Charles. Soon after, a loud explosion suspected to be that of a gunshot was heard. Charles fell to the ground and the men immediately fled in the car.
Police said Charles was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Charles sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of the head.
Further, the Guyana Police Force said it readily thanks law enforcement counterparts in Suriname who, over the years, have offered vital support in apprehending suspects who have fled our jurisdiction and promptly handing them over for investigations to proceed.
“Finally, in recent times, suspects of high profile crimes have opted to flee the jurisdiction believing that they will forever evade justice. Rest assured that the GPF intends to relentlessly pursue any suspect who adopts this course of action,” the statement concluded.
