Miner stabbed to death at Blue Mountain Backdam; suspect in custody

Police in Region Seven are investigating the alleged murder of 28-year-old miner Fitrawle McLeannon, called “Cripple”, of Lot 106 Ocean Garden, Meten-Meer-Zorg, East Bank Essequibo. McLeannon was fatally stabbed during an altercation at Blue Mountain Backdam sometime between 23:45 hrs on September 13 and 00:30 hrs on September 14, 2025.

The suspect, 24-year-old gold miner Shamer “Shortman” Tobin of Moruka, North West District, has since been arrested during a police operation at Marawah Backdam, Cuyuni River. He remains in custody and has reportedly admitted to the killing.

When investigators arrived, McLeannon’s body was found with multiple stab wounds — one to the abdomen, one to the left hip, and one to the centre of the back near the spinal area. His left hand was observed to be disabled, and he bore tattoos on his right shoulder and left hand.

A crime scene search turned up a black rubber slipper about three feet from the body and a small pink-handled pair of scissors lying on the trail near the deceased. Police collected samples of blood using swabs, photographed and video recorded the area, and secured the items as evidence.

Investigations revealed that earlier in the night, McLeannon, Tobin, and other workers employed by dredge owner Frankie Wessel, 33, had gone to the camp of another miner, Davan Melville. While there, McLeannon and Tobin consumed alcohol together before returning with the others to their camp.

At around 23:45 hrs, one of Melville’s workers, while in bed, overheard a loud scream. On checking, he saw McLeannon bleeding on the ground near the kitchen area of the trail while Tobin was walking away.

Reports suggest that McLeannon had slapped Tobin three times, prompting Tobin to retaliate with three stab wounds. Another miner later told police that Tobin confessed to stabbing “the one-hand man” after being struck.

Following a cordon and search at Marawah Backdam, police arrested Tobin, who gave a video-recorded statement. In his own words, he admitted:
“Me and the man was drinking, and I was high, and de man box me, and I bore him about three times. Afterward, I went back to camp and put on my long boots, and I roll out.”

Tobin remains in custody as investigations continue. McLeannon’s body has been removed for a post-mortem examination.