Excavator operator charged with murder of gold miner at Puruni Backdam

Police in Region Seven have charged 41-year-old excavator operator, Dexter Agrian, for the brutal killing of gold miner Mark Benn, called ‘Tattoo’, which occurred last Thursday night at Big Mara Mara Backdam, Puruni River.

Benn, 38, of Lot 218 Blueberry Hill, Linden, was fatally chopped during an altercation at a shop owned by 28-year-old dredge operator, Floyd Paul.

According to investigators, Benn had arrived at the backdam earlier that day from Puruni Landing and was socialising at Paul’s shop with two Venezuelan women, including 35-year-old Fabiana Garcia. Agrian later joined the group around 19:00 hrs, and together they drank Guinness, played music, and danced.

At one point, Benn allegedly made sexual advances toward Garcia, which she refused, citing that he was intoxicated. Benn then disconnected her cellphone, which had been playing music. Agrian intervened, pulling Benn away, but the miner rebuked him, warning: “We good, but never again you hug me like that, because thief men does hold people like that.”

Moments later, Agrian, who was armed with a 13-inch double-edged knife, allegedly launched a deadly attack. Police said Benn was chopped to the back of the head, causing him to fall, before Agrian dealt another blow to the neck, almost severing it.

The suspect reportedly walked away and returned to his camp while Paul immediately alerted police. When confronted, Agrian allegedly told ranks, “Sir, I drink couple well Guinness and I can’t remember exactly what happened.” He was arrested and taken into custody.

The murder weapon was recovered by investigators and lodged as evidence.

Agrian, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was on Tuesday arraigned at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before His Worship Teriq Mohammed. The charge of murder was read to him; he was not required to plead and was remanded to prison until 30th October, 2025, when the case will continue.