RAYNOLD John, a 24-year-old miner of Moruca village, Region One, was allegedly murdered about 00:30 hrs. on Sunday at ‘Chiney Creek’ Backdam, Puruni River.
Investigations revealed that the deceased and the suspect are known to each other as they work close to one another.

The now deceased miner was employed by Francis Henry, a 53-year-old dredge owner, while the suspect, a 23-year-old miner from Karawabe village, Pomeroon River, was employed on another dredge.

At about 17:30 hrs on Saturday afternoon, John left his camp and went to another camp nearby that sells alcohol, and there he began drinking with some friends, including the suspect.
While drinking, an argument ensued between John and the suspect, resulting in John leaving where he was drinking and heading back to his camp.

The 23-year-old suspect followed John into the camp where he works. At that point, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife from the waist of his pants and dealt John one stab to the centre of his chest, which began bleeding profusely.

John fell to the ground and, shortly afterwards, became motionless. On arrival at the scene, police examined the body, and a single stab wound was seen in the centre of the chest.
Checks were made for the suspect, who was arrested at another camp some distance away. The scene was processed and photographed, and the knife used was found on a bench in the camp.
John’s body was escorted to Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect was taken to Bartica police station, where, under caution, he gave a confession.

Police said a video interview was also done in which he again detailed what happened.

Statements were taken, and the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.