A week after wreaths were laid at the site where trucker Jadesh Dass was found dead, in observance of what would have been the man’s 33rd birthday, the man’s family says witnesses remain afraid to go to the police.
The man, who lived at Chelsea Park, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was found lying a short distance away from his truck on New Road, Mosquito Hall, East Coast Demerara, on April 17.
It was speculated that he might have been hit to the head with a heavy object by his assailant(s) but a post-mortem examination later revealed that the man suffered two gunshot wounds at close range to the right side of his temple and his forehead.
Robbery was ruled out as a motive, since relatives found Dass’ money and other belongings intact.
This newspaper contacted the Police Public Relations Department and was told that investigations into this murder were ongoing. It was pointed out that no one has yet been charged in relation to the incident.
Stabroek News understands that Dass’ employer and the employer’s brother were questioned in relation to the murder. They have since been released from police custody.
A relative of the dead man told this newspaper that the police have indicated to the family that there were a few suspects on whom they conducted gunpowder tests but there were no results as yet.
It was added that the police remain in possession of Dass’ cellular phone, from which they say they have recovered a voicemail message which may further their probe.
Additionally, the police have indicated that such an investigation may take years. “They say that a matter like this don’t solve overnight… but everybody know is who. Is three persons do this thing, two brothers and a friend,” the relative said.
The relative added that several persons came forward and indicated to the family that they saw what had happened but expressed fear in serving as an eyewitness to police.
“People who see ain’t want go forward and say that they see. We ain’t got no eyewitness so the police say we ain’t got a case and that they can’t pressure people to come forward as eyewitness.”
However, the relative stated that family members and residents of Mahaica alike are drawing conclusions as to who Dass’ assailant(s) is/are but at this point, they are feeling hopeless without the support of eyewitnesses. “The police can’t do they work without the eyewitness so what can we do? These people rich and powerful and can get away with these things… even taking a man’s life,” one person said.
A source close to the family said that there is much speculation that the killer is a resident of Chelsea Park.
