A knife believed to be the murder weapon has been recovered as police intensify investigations into the killing of seven-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed and the attempted murder of his 72-year-old great-grandmother at Phase Three, Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.
The gruesome attack occurred at about 04:45 hrs on Friday.
According to police, a relative went to the home at approximately 05:05 hrs and discovered the elderly woman, Halima Itwari, injured and the child motionless inside the house.
Investigators who processed the scene recovered a knife suspected to have been used during the attack. The weapon has since been lodged as evidence.
The child, who resided at the home with relatives, was examined at the scene and injuries were observed on his body. He was subsequently taken to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.
His great-grandmother was also injured during the incident and was rushed to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where she was admitted as a patient. Police said her condition is stable.
The child’s body was later transferred to Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
As the investigation continues, detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. The footage reportedly shows a lone male suspect in the vicinity before the attack. Investigators are seeking to establish the suspect’s movements and determine a motive for the crime.
Several persons have already been questioned, while checks are being made to locate the suspect.
The brutal killing has stunned residents of the Zeelugt community and sparked widespread calls for justice as police continue their hunt for the perpetrator.
