Tyrone Talbot and another suspect in the New Amsterdam double murder had their names cleared on Wednesday after police received results from blood samples they had sent for testing in Georgetown.
Talbot, who received a letter stating that he was no longer a suspect in the crime, which was committed in February this year, said he was relieved as he “did not want to leave Guyana with anything hanging over my head”.
Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, the early-retired officer in the US Army said he believes in God and “God has vindicated me and once again. My life is my life – not that it wasn’t all along.”
But he said he “didn’t need the police to say that I was not involved [in the crime] but I am glad that they finally acknowledged it even though that would not give me back what I lost.”
Police had also conducted tests on a car belonging to the other suspect, Jermaine Davis and his name was cleared as well after nothing incriminating was found against him. His car which was held at the New Amsterdam Police Station has been returned to him.
Relatives of both men have uplifted money that was posted for them as station bail.
However, Talbot said he is still to receive his cellular phones as well as other personal belongings.
On February 15, Nekecia Rouse, 25, and her sister-in-law, 18-year-old Alexis ‘Keisha’ George of Smythfield, NA were discovered brutally murdered. Their bloodied bodies were discovered between 6.30 am and 7 am.
Both bodies had wounds to the neck. Rouse’s body also bore stabs to the left ear and right shoulder.
George’s body was discovered first in a crouched position under a tree, braced on an old stove in a neighbour’s yard obliquely opposite the house where Rouse was found. The women’s two young children were found in the house when the discoveries were made.
From all appearances the attack occurred in the house but George somehow managed to escape despite her injuries.
Rouse was found lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen.
Investigators had collected items with suspected bloodstains as well as samples from bloodied footprints at the scene. These were forwarded to their counterparts in the city to conduct laboratory tests.
A senior police source in Berbice had indicated that while investigators were awaiting the results, there were several theories that they were working on.
The officer had said that all leads were being followed and that the investigation will continue until the police were satisfied that charges should or should not be laid.
Three other suspects who were held following the gruesome discovery were later released.
However Talbot said based on information he had received, those persons along with those who “brought information to the police” that caused him to be arrested should be questioned further.
While he was not pleased with the way some officers handled the investigation, he complimented Commander of ‘B’ Division, George Vyphuis for “doing a good job” and said the public should give him their support.