KENSLEY Thompson allegedly murdered his 32-year-old wife, Rhonda Thompson, on Sunday night at her home at Lot 6 Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice, following a heated argument between the two. He attempted to commit suicide hours after by ingesting a substance, which turned out to be Gramoxone; and succeeded in that enterprise yesterday when he succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Sources in Berbice report that the suspect was found in an unconscious state near a burial ground yesterday morning, and next to him was a half bottle of a substance which turned out to be the deadly weedicide. His neck also allegedly bore cut marks.
He was subsequently rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, before being transferred to the GPHC, where he died.
The body of 32-year-old cosmetologist and hairdresser Rhonda Thompson, a mother of one, was found at approximately 19:30 hrs on Sunday night in the dining room of her residence. She had a gaping wound to her throat.
Questioned about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, family members declined to comment; but many residents in the village were of the view that Rhonda’s husband had committed the act.
No weapon has since been discovered.
Reports are that Rhonda was slain when her little niece opened the door to let someone in. Neighbours have said they did not hear or see anything suspicious before or after the murder.
Kensley Thompson had been a carpenter and mason, and was also the driver for a church in the community.
Relatives and friends of the couple said the two had separated about three months ago, after Kensley had allegedly learnt that his wife was having an extra-marital relationship.
Rhonda lived with an extended family in the home, including cousins and her son. It is not clear whether they were at home when she was murdered.
She leaves to mourn her 15-year-old son, Akeem, and other relatives and close friends.