Five men who were last seen in the company of murdered miner Robert Hunter have been detained for questioning according to Crime Chief Seelall Persaud who said that from all indications the man might have been killed during a drunken brawl.
Persaud said that so far there is nothing to suggest that the man was a victim of robbery as $19, 000 was in his pocket when he was found.
Giving this newspaper an update on the case, he said that Hunter and the five men drank together then they reportedly set off for their homes which were in separate directions. He said that based on investigations the man bought a bottle of whiskey when he left. When his body was found around 0730 hours along a trail at Imbaimadai, the whiskey was missing.
Hunter age 48 of Paratown Settlement, Imbaimadai, (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) sustained suspected stab wounds to the neck and chest.
He said the man sustained stab wounds to the back.
While drawing to his attention the regular occurrences of murder following or during a drinking spree in the interior, Persaud said that there is not much the police can do. He noted that it is an area of concern and as such the force there has been on increased roving patrols. He said that the Force is also teaming up with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association.
Persaud noted that there is legislation as it relates to the alcohol use in Amerindian settlements but that does not apply to the areas beyond those settlements.
Investigations are continuing.
