POST-MORTEM examinations have confirmed that a Parfaite Harmonie couple died from gunshot injuries in an alleged murder-suicide stemming from a domestic dispute last Saturday night.
The examinations were conducted on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Ezekiel Funeral Home.
The cause of death for 42-year-old gold miner and businessman John Trotman, of Onderneeming, Last Bridge, West Bank Demerara, was given as a gunshot injury to the head.
The cause of death for his estranged wife, 39-year-old shopkeeper Anna Trotman, of Parfaite Harmonie, was recorded as multiple gunshot injuries.
The bodies were subsequently handed over to relatives for burial.
Police said the incident occurred between 21:45 hours and 22:15 hours on Saturday at the couple’s former family home and is being investigated as an alleged murder-suicide and attempted murder.
The couple had been legally married but reportedly separated about a year ago following ongoing domestic disputes. Anna remained at the Parfaite Harmonie residence with six of their seven children and her 59-year-old mother, Tandie Ashley, while John had been living elsewhere.
According to investigators, the couple became involved in an argument shortly after Anna returned home from attending a graduation celebration for one of their younger sons.
Their 19-year-old daughter reportedly told police that she, her grandmother and five younger siblings retreated to a bedroom after the argument began.
She said she later heard several gunshots and, upon emerging from the room, saw her father holding what appeared to be a handgun and pointing it at her mother, who was motionless in the living room.
Police said the suspect then rushed towards the bedroom where the children and Ashley had sought refuge, kicked open the door and fired several rounds at Ashley.
He subsequently went into the kitchen, where another gunshot was heard. Relatives later found him lying motionless with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.
Police and emergency medical personnel responded shortly after the incident was reported through the 911 emergency hotline.
Ashley was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where she underwent surgery for gunshot wounds to her abdomen, left forearm and left shoulder.
Police said Anna sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including four to the head, one to the chest and two to her right hand.
Investigators recovered a Taurus .32-calibre pistol, nine spent .32-calibre shells and 30 live rounds of ammunition from the scene.
Police are continuing their investigations.
