The Police have arrested a woman, alleged to be a Venezuelan national, and two Prison Officers in connection with the daring daylight escape of notorious murderer and death-row inmate, Mark Royden Williams from the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven on Friday afternoon.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that the escape occurred at around 14:30 hrs, just as Williams wrapped up a visit with the woman.
The News Room understands that the woman would usually visit Williams at the penitentiary and as per norm, the prisoner was transported on an ATV to Sibley Hall, which is situated about half a mile from the prison facility and is the designated area for visitation of prisoners housed at the location.
James was shackled at the time and according to sources, after the visit, Williams was being transported back to the maximum security facility on the said ATV when a lone gunman opened fire in its direction.
It is further alleged by one of the Prison Officers that Williams jumped off the ATV while the Prison Officers ducked for cover.
The Prison Officer reportedly related that Williams and the lone gunman were then seen running to a waiting boat, in which they escaped.
The boat was occupied by other people. The News Room was told that a “high level” Joint Services team was dispatched to the area as the search continues for Williams.
This is not the first time Williams escaped from custody; in July 2017, Williams fled following a massive fire at the Camp Street Prison during which several prisoners died.
He was subsequently recaptured at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice. Williams is currently facing nine death sentences.
The most recent was handed down in September 2022 after he was found guilty of murdering Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier, Ivor Williams which occurred in 2008.
In 2017, he was sentenced to death on eight counts of murder for the 2008 Bartica massacre. He, however, has appealed both his sentencing and conviction.
The mass murderer was also charged in relation to several other offences.
In 2013, Williams was found not guilty of 11 counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Lusignan massacre.
In 2019, Williams was freed of the 2007 murder of Kumar ‘Mango Man’ Singh after a 12-member jury found him not guilty.
And in 2022, he was freed of two counts of murder after a jury found him not guilty of killing two men during an armed robbery at a bar at Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara in 2007.
