By Leroy Smith
AN Essequibo man yesterday reportedly confessed to killing 73-year-old Suroojpattie Ramlakhan, called “Aunty Carmen,” who was found murdered in her Richmond Essequibo home in February this year.Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday afternoon, Divisional Commander Superintendent Kevin Adonis said that at the time of the confession, the suspect was being investigated for a break and enter offence which was committed on Saturday last.
According to Adonis, investigators, while matching the man’s prints against those found at the murder scene earlier this year placed him at the crime scene. It was also reported that the same man was held in February for the woman’s murder, but there was not enough evidence to charge him with the crime.
Police ranks over the weekend questioned the man about the role he played in the woman’s death and he reportedly detailed to them how he committed the act. Those details were, however, not communicated to this publication as the police are continuing their investigation into the matter.
In February also, the police had picked up the woman’s nephew following her murder, but he was later released as the evidence against him was not strong. He had been held back then because of information that the murder might have stemmed from a property dispute.
Ramlakhan lived by herself and she had no children. On the day the woman’s body was discovered, neighbours had observed a reptile crawling into her yard and began shouting for her. However they got no response and upon checking they found her door ajar.
When the persons pushed the door they discovered the woman sprawled with a bottle inserted into her private parts and there were marks of violence on her neck. They immediately exited the home and telephoned the police who turned up and conducted investigations.
The incident had caused the residents to call on the police to ensure that there are more police patrols in the communities and along the Essequibo Coast.
Meanwhile, Commander Adonis told the Guyana Chronicle that the suspect will be charged with two counts of break and enter while the file pertaining to the alleged murder confession will be prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.
The suspect is said to be known to the community as he would often enter people’s homes illegally and make good his escape before the arrival of the police.