POLICE have launched an investigation into the death of a 38-year-old tour guide whose partially charred remains were discovered along the eastern bank of the Rupununi River near Wichabai Ranch, South Rupununi.

The deceased has been identified as Leon Baird of St. Ignatius Village. His remains were found on Sunday, January 25, after police were alerted to a burnt vehicle in the area. Investigators said what appeared to be a partially burnt human body was found inside the vehicle.
The remains were removed from the scene and transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where a doctor on duty pronounced the man dead.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday, January 27, by Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, determined that Baird died from burns and indicated that he was alive at the time the fire occurred. Following the examination, the body was released to relatives for burial. DNA samples were also collected as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police said further enquiries in the surrounding area led to the discovery of the remains of two cattle nearby, which investigators suspect were shot. Several items of evidential value, including a knife and spent shotgun shells, were recovered and lodged for examination.
No arrests have been made so far, and police said investigations are continuing as efforts intensify to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.