FOLLOWING the death of 17-year-old Melissa Soman, detectives returned to the scene at Gaetroy Village, Berbice River on Sunday, where the suspect pointed out where he slapped the teenager prior to her falling overboard, resulting in her death.

On June 17, at around 20:30hrs, the suspect, the now deceased and a relative were in a wooden paddle boat returning to De Veldt after attending a birthday party at Gaetroy Village , Berbice River.

While travelling, an argument erupted, during which, Soman was slapped by the suspect. Thereafter, she fell overboard.

The suspect’s relative managed to pull her out of the water but even as she reentered the boat another argument erupted, and again, she was slapped. Soman reportedly fell overboard a second time. The suspect’s relative reportedly made several attempts to rescue the teen, but was unsuccessful. The suspect allegedly did not make any effort to rescue the young lady.

It was not until the following day – June 18 – that the police, while on patrol in the riverain community, were informed of the incident.

That very day, the body of Melissa Soman was fished out of the river. She was clad in a black and white skirt, peach top and a blue bra. It was observed that the upper torso, face and right hand appeared to have been eaten by fish. The Soman’s body was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital. The suspect was arrested on June 19.
A post mortem examination is scheduled for tomorrow.