Popular businessman Victor Winston Warner was found dead in the bottom flat of his Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast home early this morning, and police suspect he was the victim of a robbery.
Warner, 70, was found lying in a pool of blood, with his head covered with duct tape, at the bottom flat of his two-storey home, from where he operated a general store. According to reports his face, nose, mouth and eyes were completely covered with the tape.
Police said in a statement that an undisclosed sum of cash, along with a quantity of jewellery and cell phone cards are reported to have been taken away. Raw gold was also among the missing items, this newspaper was told.
Police forensic personnel, who travelled from their city headquarters, were at the scene conducting investigations. Warner’s body was eventually taken to the Suddie Funeral Parlour, where a post-mortem examination will be done.
Warner suffered severe injuries to his head, this newspaper has learnt.
Reports said that the killer (s) might have been hiding on the premises, since there is no sign of forced entry.
The gruesome discovery of the body was made by Warner’s grandson, Navin, at around 6:45am, while he was going downstairs to meet his aunt Rockell, called ‘Roxy,’ who was calling at the front gate.
Speaking with this newspaper, Navin said he was almost downstairs when he saw his grandfather lying at the entrance of the liquor section of his store, with his face covered in blood and his head entirely covered with duct tape.
According to Navin, he immediately shouted to his aunt Roxy that something had happened to his grandfather. They immediately reported the find to the police, who responded promptly.
The young man, still shaken from his experience, said he and his brother Kevin were staying with his grandfather at the time. He noted that they were asleep when his grandfather is believed to have been killed.
Warner was well known for his kindness. According to one of his close friends, Mohanlall Seulall, Warner would render assistance in any form, whether food or cash. “He would always reach out to those who approached him for help, we will surely miss him,” Seulall said.
He has left to mourn seven children and two siblings.
