INVESTIGATIONS are ongoing into the alleged murder of Jimmy Edward Ashby, a 58-year-old Miner of Barima River, in the North West District, Region One.

According to a statement from the Police, Ashby was reportedly murdered by a suspect identified as “One Hand Loyde”, between January 02, 2024 and January 03, 2024, at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

A 69-year-old businessman of Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, who is familiar with Ashby and the suspect as they both visited his shop regularly, stated that, around 12:00 hrs on January 02, 2024, while at the back of his shop, Ashby and the suspect, who were both consuming alcohol in his shop, got into a heated argument.

The businessman then ventured to the front of his shop to enquire what had happened, when Ashby responded that the suspect stabbed him in his chest. Ashby allegedly told the businessman he was “okay” and did not want to seek medical attention.

At 06:30 hrs the following day, the businessman was on his way to make a call when he saw a motionless Ashby on a bench alongside Arimu Trail.

The businessman called the Bartica Police Station and made a report, and Police ranks subsequently visited the scene and discovered Ashby’s body, which was clad in a red and white sweatshirt, grey vest and blue short pants.

On closer investigation, a single stab wound was seen at the centre of the man’s chest. His body was later transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, and efforts are currently being made to arrest the suspect as the investigation continues.