Miner dies after brutal attack, 18-Y-O suspect arrested in Upper Cuyuni

The Guyana Police Force is investigating the murder of 24-year-old Elijah Daniels, a miner from Kurutuka Village, Upper Cuyuni River.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 4, at approximately 16:00 hrs, Daniels was brought to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a critical condition.

He had sustained serious injuries and was immediately examined by the on-duty medical team.

Despite efforts to provide treatment, Daniels passed away at around 19:00 hrs. His body was subsequently placed in the GPHC mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination.

At the time of his hospital admission, a Police Corporal visited the victim but was unable to obtain a statement due to Daniels’ critical condition.

However, on Thrusday between 08:00 hrs and 14:30 hrs, a joint operation conducted by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force resulted in the arrest of Brian Roberts, the prime suspect in the murder.

Roberts, aged 18, was apprehended in relation to the incident and was advised of the offence, cautioned, and arrested. He was then escorted to the Eteringbang Police Station, where he remains in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Investigations revealed that Roberts and Daniels were related, with Roberts being the brother-in-law of the victim.

The two men lived together in Kurutuka Village. On the night of December 3 at approximately 21:00 hrs, Roberts returned home intoxicated and saw his 17-year-old sister asleep in her hammock. In a fit of rage, Roberts struck her twice with a cutlass, causing her to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

Approximately 10 minutes later, at around 08:40 hrs, Daniels, the reputed husband of the 17-year-old, arrived home. Roberts then attacked Daniels, inflicting several chops to his face. After the assault, Roberts fled the scene on foot.

The victim’s wife, who had heard the commotion, emerged from the bushes and found Daniels lying on the ground with multiple chop wounds to his face and hands. She raised an alarm, and with the assistance of public-spirited citizens, Daniels was taken to the Kurutuka Health Post for initial treatment. Medic Michael Lewis then arranged for his transfer to the GPHC.