-police say she was shot twice at wedding reception

SOME 18 hours after she was shot dead in front of stunned wedding guests, Shaka Phillips, the prime suspect in the murder of Jenel Pollydore, a 26-year-old mother of three, was arrested at approximately 15:35hrs on Sunday at South Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

In a statement, police said ranks led by Superintendent Austin mounted an operation which resulted in the arrest of the 21-year-old suspect.

Phillips, who is the father of the woman’s youngest child, is currently in police custody as investigations into the matter continue.

Police in an earlier statement said that Pollydore was killed at about 21:20hrs on Saturday at R & R Hotel located in Central Amelia’s Ward.

According to the statement, the woman, a teacher, had obtained a restraining order due to constant physical abuse.

“According to the woman’s niece, Malika Pollydore, they were at a wedding reception at the R&R Hotel. Malika said that her aunt (now deceased) was standing by the gate in front of the hotel when the suspect approached her and asked why she was not answering her phone. An argument ensued between them, and the suspect took out a handgun and discharged a round at her.

“Pollydore then ran into the hotel by the pool area, and the suspect chased behind her and discharged two more rounds at her. He then ran out of the hotel and escaped in an unknown direction.

The woman fell to the ground and became motionless, and the police were summoned,” the release stated.

On arrival, the police examined the body and observed one gunshot wound to the right-side face and another to the back of the head. Ranks also found two 9mm spent shells at the scene.

The body was removed and escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex, where it was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

The police on Sunday encouraged persons who may have information to come forward.

“The Guyana Police Force remains committed to ensuring justice is served and urges members of the public to be forthcoming with any information that may assist the ongoing investigation.

“The Guyana Police Force would also like to thank those citizens who cooperated with the Police, leading to Shaka Phillips being captured.”