No arrests made days after Rupununi tour guide found burnt, dead inside vehicle

Days after popular Rupununi tour guide Leon Baird was found dead, the Guyana Police Force said no arrests have been made yet, but investigators are working to “establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Baird, a tour guide of St. Ignatius Village, was found dead on Sunday at the eastern bank of the Rupununi River, near the Wichabai Ranch, where he worked.

A burnt vehicle was discovered on the eastern bank of the Rupununi River with what appeared to be partially charred remains of a human body inside. The remains were removed and transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where the individual was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as burns and indicated that the victim was alive before the fire.

The body was subsequently handed over to relatives for burial. DNA samples were also obtained as part of the ongoing investigation.

During subsequent enquiries in the area, police also discovered the remains of two cattle nearby, suspected to have been shot. Items of evidential value, including a knife and spent shotgun shells, were recovered and lodged as part of ongoing examinations.

No arrests have been made. Investigations are continuing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Rupununi residents have, however, raised concerns about rustlers. They believe rustlers may have killed Baird. The tour guide was well-respected and loved. Since his passing, glowing tributes have poured in.