Police detain ‘known character’ in murder of businessman

Andrew Ridley called ‘Aids Man’ of Lot 173 Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown was on Wednesday arrested as the main suspect in the murder of Shimron Adams, the 41-year-old businessman who was shot dead on Monday night and robbed of his gold jewellery and a shoulder bag with his day’s earnings.

Ridley’s arrest comes one month after a wanted bulletin was issued for him in connection with the November 11, 2022 murder of Dexter McFarlene of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Family members have said they were informed of Ridley’s arrest on Wednesday and it was confirmed on Thursday.

Reports are that Ridley is the boyfriend of a woman who was at the business premises at D’Urban and Chapel Street, Georgetown during the robbery/murder.

While the woman may have been known to Adams, his sister Shivron Adams says she cannot confirm that they shared an intimate relationship as is being alleged.

The sister believes the motive was robbery and that her brother was set up.

The woman, who claims to be the man’s girlfriend, was arrested by patrol ranks who responded to the sounds of gunshots.

Police Headquarters in a statement noted that according to the 29-year-old woman, he closed his business place at about 23:30hrs and started to pack items in a freezer.

The woman told the police that about ten minutes later, around 23:40 hrs, he opened a zinc shutter at the front of the business for them to go out.

At that point, two suspects reportedly entered the building through the shutter and ordered Adams and the woman to lie on the ground; they both complied.

During a scuffle, the suspect who was armed with the firearm discharged a round at Adams which struck him in his right abdomen.