An argument over losses at a pit bull dogfight last evening left an Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, auto salesman dead after he was stabbed several times to his body.
Thirty-year-old Adrian Richmond, also known as `Pinky’, of Lot 104 Atlantic Ville succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital shortly after he was rushed there following a fight at Industry also on the ECD.
“A woman from town bring she pit bull to fight with Colin pit bull and she own lose and she get vex but pay. `Pinky’ de backing Colin own so he glad he win and they (persons part of the woman’s entourage) start to argue with he and cuss up…then one punch he in he face and another hold he down and start firing with a long jukker and people start fuh part and they beat out in the madness,” an eyewitness recounted for Stabroek News last night.
The eyewitness said that he accompanied Richmond to Industry to view the fights and that the man did not participate in the gambling but enjoyed watching the sport.
Another eyewitness stated that the former policeman-turned-auto sales manager did not bleed profusely but that when he fell to the ground they saw several small holes in the shirt he was wearing.
He was quickly rushed to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead.
His sister Allison King informed that when they viewed his body they counted at least 15 stab wounds with three in the region of his heart and others to his stomach and back.
The hospital in a release said that around 7:55pm last evening the victim was taken there with stab wounds to his chest and abdomen. He was at the time unresponsive and efforts to resuscitate him proved futile.
The incident occurred at a yard a few metres away from the Industry Bridge at a house on the Industry Main Road.
This newspaper was told that it was “a regular thing” that dogfights are held there on weekends with persons coming from as far as Linden and Parika to have their dogs, mainly pit bulls and Rottweilers, participate in the vicious animal game.
One resident stated that betting on the fights vary and can go from $500 to over $1M per fight.
Last evening Sparendaam police took into custody the wife of the Industry promoter of the dogfights.
Several other persons also gave statements at the station.
Outside the Sparendaam Station the man’s mother, siblings, other relatives, his employer and neighbours stood outside trying to come to grips with his demise.
They described the father of three, who would have celebrated his birthday this August 19th, as jovial, caring and well-mannered.
The owner of Versus Auto Sales, where he worked said that the manager was disciplined and punctual. “He never missed a day, was always early and led by example. He was just a very good worker very good…” the man said.
Police are continuing their investigations as they search for the killers who seem to have gone into hiding.
Illegal dogfighting has been ongoing in several communities for years without the police taking action.
