Highway Murder: Chainsaw operator attacked, beaten and stabbed

Police are currently investigating the alleged murder of Davanan Hosea, a 40-year-old chainsaw operator of Amerindian descent, from the Hillfoot squatting area along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The incident occurred early this morning, Sunday, November 17th, at approximately 1:35 hrs.

According to reports, Hosea was allegedly attacked by several men, one of whom is now in police custody.

Authorities responded to the scene and initiated an investigation, uncovering that Hosea had been performing his daily duties in the back dam at Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), prior to the incident.

Hosea’s brother, 36-year-old Levon Hosea, who also works as a chainsaw operator, provided details of the events leading up to his brother’s death.

Levon explained that on the afternoon of November 16, the brothers had worked together in the back dam before leaving for a local Chinese restaurant, where Davanan met with his reputed wife. After spending time at the restaurant and having a few drinks, Levon left his brother with his wife and returned home.

Later that evening, around 21:00 hrs, Davanan called Levon, asking him to meet at the Raghoo Sports Bar along the Soesdyke Public Road.

The brothers purchased more drinks at the bar, where Davanan reportedly told his brother that a group of men had been eyeing him. Moments later, the men approached Davanan, seized his valuables, and a confrontation broke out between Levon and the suspects.

The situation escalated, leading to a violent altercation, and the brothers fled through Shawnie Gas Station, located nearby. The perpetrators pursued them, and during the chase, Davanan was caught and engaged in a scuffle with the attackers. Levon, realising the danger, urged his brother to run east along the track, while he took a different route.

Levon later found his brother collapsed on the Hillfoot Soesdyke/Linden Highway, with visible injuries. Upon examination of the body, police found several stab wounds, including:

– A wound on the right side of the face

– A stab wound to the left side of the abdomen

– Two stab wounds to the chest (right and centre)

The stab wounds were measured at approximately one and a half inches in depth.

The area was canvassed for CCTV footage, which was located, and efforts are underway to review the footage for further evidence.

The body of Davanan Hosea was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by medical staff. The body was later transferred to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

One suspect, a 27-year-old salesman, has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently assisting police with their investigation.

Authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the murder, with the community urged to come forward with any information that may aid in the case.