–suspect believed to be prison escapee Akeem Wong

THE grisly murder of David Gomes, a 49-year-old taxi driver hailing from D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, and his 75-year-old mother, Elizabeth ‘Nellie’ Gomes, also of the same address, has sent shockwaves through the tranquil community of Saxacalli Mission, Essequibo River.
As investigations intensify, the Police are on the hunt for rape convict and prison escapee Akeem Wong called “Ben Laden”, 30, the prime suspect in this double homicide.
He escaped from the Mazaruni Prison in mid-February.

The tragic incident unfolded between 17:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs on Friday, leaving residents in disbelief. According to preliminary investigations, the Gomes family, including David, his elderly mother Nellie, and his six-year-old son, had embarked on a routine trip to Saxacalli Mission earlier in the day with the intention of tending to their residence and surroundings.

An eyewitness account, notably provided by David’s young son, paint a harrowing picture of events leading up to the gruesome murders. At approximately 15:00 hrs, the suspect reportedly visited the Gomes’ residence, seeking food and directions. Welcomed into their home, the suspect partook in food and alcohol with David before arming himself with a cutlass.
The suspect then reportedly rained down a barrage of chops on David. A brave Nellie went to her son’s rescue only to meet a similarly gruesome fate at the hands of the assailant.

The suspect them attempted to wash down the blood but his efforts were abruptly halted by the unexpected arrival of a passing boat. Fleeing into the cover of nearby bushes, the attacker vanished into the dense undergrowth, leaving behind a scene of unimaginable horror.
According to the Police, amid the rampage, David managed to retaliate, inflicting injuries upon the suspect before succumbing to his wounds. His six-year-old son, a witness to the brutality bravely took action, alerting authorities by sending a voice note to one of his father’s friends.

As night fell upon Saxacalli Mission, Police investigators descended upon the crime scene with crime scene technicians meticulously combing through the area for items of evidential value.
The mother and son, according the Police, were chopped multiple times about their bodies, with both of them sustaining several chops to their heads.
Their remains are currently at the mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has since urged the public to be cautious and vigilant, and to report any sightings or information regarding Wong’s whereabouts to the relevant authorities immediately, adding that the safety and security of the public remain its top priority.

Wong escaped from the maximum security Mazaruni Prison at around 07:20 hrs on February 14. At the time, Wong, along with inmate Gilbert Gill, was labouring in the wood bush in the custody of Prison Officer Torres. While on duty, Wong requested to defecate and Officer Torres granted him the permission. However, about five minutes later, Officer Torres decided to check on Wong but discovered him missing, hence an alarm was raised.
After Wong pleaded guilty to raping a 14-year-old girl in 2017, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry of the Demerara High Court sentenced him to 15 years in prison in November 2020.