Tour guide, 21, fatally stabbed during Rupununi heritage celebrations

Police are investigating the alleged murder of 21-year-old John Elliot, a tour guide at the Atta Lodge, who was stabbed to death on Sunday.

The incident occurred at approximately 01:30hrs during an Amerindian Heritage celebration at Annai Village.

Police Headquarters in a statement said Elliot, a resident of Surama Village, North Rupununi, was allegedly stabbed during a confrontation with three male suspects.

The main suspect is a 16-year-old resident of Annai Village (name withheld), who was later found at the home of the two other suspects, 18-year-old Orlando Williams and 20-year-old Ronaldo Williams, both from Annai Village.

The stabbing was witnessed by a female rank attending the celebration. Police said the rank, stationed at the Annai Police Station, positively identified the 16-year-old suspect as the person who stabbed Elliot in the chest and provided a detailed statement of the incident.

The 16-year-old suspect was arrested and escorted to the Annai Police Station, where he was placed in custody. When questioned in the presence of his mother, he denied any involvement, claiming that Orlando Williams was the one who stabbed Elliot.

At around 14:00hrs, Police said Elliot’s body was examined at the Annai District Hospital, revealing two stab wounds: one to the left side of his chest and another to the right rib area.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted on Monday.

Efforts are being made to apprehend Orlando and Ronaldo Williams, as investigations continues.