POLICE investigators say three men have been arrested and have confessed to their roles in the robbery and fatal stabbing of Chinese businessman Chen Yongping in Canje, Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne), an attack that also left another man injured.
According to police, the latest breakthrough came on Monday, December 18, 2025, when 17-year-old Renaldo Doodnauth of Bun Bush Dam, Canje, was contacted based on intelligence received.
He was interviewed between 18:00hrs and 23:30hrs in the presence of his mother by senior detectives, including Detective Assistant Superintendent J. Henry. After being cautioned, the teenager reportedly admitted his involvement.
Reports indicate that in a video-recorded statement, Doodnauth told investigators that he was approached the day before the attack by Colwin Morris, called “Screech,” and Peter Baker, both 29 and of Lot 207 Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme.
He said they informed him of a robbery planned for the following morning and asked him to participate, to which he agreed.
Doodnauth stated that around 05:30hrs on the day of the incident, Baker picked him up from a friend’s home where he had spent the night. The group travelled by car to the Canje Public Road, walked back towards the Chinese nationals’ residence, and were later picked up by Morris, who drove them close to the scene.
He told police that he was dropped off about 75 yards from the premises and instructed to act as a lookout while Morris and Baker entered the yard. From his position, he claimed he saw Baker stab the deceased several times and take two cellular phones and cash. The men then fled in the vehicle, and Doodnauth was later dropped off at his home.
The teenager further alleged that he burned the clothes he wore during the incident under the Canje Bridge later that night and that Baker returned the next day and gave him $30,000 as his share of the proceeds.
Police subsequently contacted Morris, who was cautioned and interviewed. Investigators said Morris admitted his involvement, stating that Baker originated the plan. Morris reportedly told police that he transported the group to the scene and entered the yard with Baker, while Doodnauth remained on lookout. He said Baker stabbed both victims and took phones and cash, after which Baker gave him one of the phones and a share of the money.
Morris further stated that while travelling towards Georgetown, and before reaching Weldaad Police Station, he threw the phone out of the vehicle because he feared it was being traced.
Baker was later arrested, cautioned, and interviewed. Police said he admitted that he contacted both Doodnauth and Morris to assist with the robbery. He acknowledged entering the yard armed with a knife, inflicting the injuries on Chen Yongping and his son, and stealing cash and two cellular phones. He also admitted sharing the proceeds with Morris after dropping Doodnauth off.
All three suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The arrests follow a violent robbery earlier this month in Canje that claimed the life of 61-year-old Chen Yongping, a businessman of Lot 21 Cumberland Village, East Canje Berbice. Another businessman, 32-year-old Cheng Dongrong, was injured and hospitalised but has since been discharged.
Police said the two men operated a food business at the site of the attack, where they produced and packaged various types of chips. Investigators were told that around 03:00hrs, the victims left their home to purchase cassava at the Port Mourant Market. They returned about 05:00hrs and were attacked as they entered their yard and parked their bus.
According to Dongrong, two men armed with knives rushed into the yard. The victims shouted in alarm but struggled to understand the assailants, as they did not speak English fluently. During the attack, Yongping was stabbed once in the lower right abdomen and twice in the inner thigh, while Dongrong was struck to the head. The attackers escaped with two iPhone 12 Pro Max cellular phones and $150,000 cash.
Both victims were taken to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, where Yongping later died from his injuries. His body remains at Persaud Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Police have also obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business, which remains under review. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as they prepare files for legal proceedings.