POLICE sources have confirmed that political activist Courtney Crum–Ewing, a father of three who had resided at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, died as a result of three gunshot wounds sustained to his head and two to other parts of his body, delivered at point blank range, according to the post-mortem performed by a government pathologist yesterday morning.The results of the post-mortem comes just one day after President Ramotar called on the Guyana Police Force to ensure they leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the shooting.

The Head of State has also instructed that the police ensure they apprehend the intellectual authors of the crime, if they exist.

Following Crum-Ewing’s Tuesday execution-style killing, his family members made it clear that they would be seeking to have the post-mortem performed by an independent pathologist. This call was also echoed by lawyer representing the family, Mr Nigel Hughes.

Immediately after Crum-Ewing’s shooting death, claims on social media and other forums suggested that the killing was politically motivated and that it represented the first assassination this current political season would experience.

President Donald Ramotar, in response, called on the authors of those claims to come forward with supporting information that would indicate the killing was political. He said if those claims were to have any truth, it would be obvious that the claimants might be aware of who the killers were, or who had organized the killing.

The President also said that if those persons who are claiming that the killing was political refuse to come forward and share information in their possession with the police, who represent the authorised organisation to investigate crimes, those persons need to cease their blame game, since the game can amount to instigation.

The Guyana Police Force yesterday issued a press release, claiming that Crime Chief Leslie James had made contact with Dr David Hinds, who had, in another section of the media, written a letter which suggested that the killing of Crum-Ewing was political.

The Crime Chief reportedly invited Hinds to come forward with any information that he may have about the killing, but Hinds indicated that he had no such information; whereupon he was cautioned to desist from making further comments which suggested that the killing was political.

The Crime Chief also reportedly informed Hinds that his statements could be interpreted as instigation.

While addressing the Guyana Police Force Annual Officers Conference on Thursday, President Donald Ramotar charged the Guyana Police Force to ensure they put the systems in place to protect the citizens of this country in the lead-up to general and regional elections, and on elections day and the days thereafter.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud has indicated that the police stand ready to address any issue during the periods mentioned earlier. He had even said, two days earlier, that the Guyana Police Force has been preparing for elections since Parliament had been prorogued, and the Force is preparing to treat with the worst possible instances.

Asked what he considered those to be, the Top Cop gave a general description: the total breakdown in law and order.

(By Leroy Smith)