The murder of Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal Kevon Payne on Tuesday evening may have been a case of mistaken identity and his relatives are baffled about his death since as far as they are aware he had no problems with anyone.
Twenty-two-year-old Payne called “Scar”, a member of the Coastguard who resided at Sussex Street, Charlestown was gunned down a short distance away from his home around 22:20 hrs on Tuesday.
His friend, Shekel Williams, 22, of James Street, Albouystown was shot once to his right foot and is currently a patient at a city hospital.
According to a police press release, Payne was among a group of men standing on the roadway at Lyng and Sussex streets, Charlestown, when two men armed with firearms rode up on a motorcycle and discharged rounds in their direction. He was shot about the body including once to the chest and was pronounced dead on arrival to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
“Ranks of a police mobile patrol that was in the vicinity responded to the sound of gunshots and confronted the two suspects who managed to escape after an exchange of gunfire with the ranks,” the release said, adding that the Police Office of Professional Responsibility and ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are conducting investigations into the incident.
Contacted last evening, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Stabroek News that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and investigators are exploring several leads. Blanhum was unable to provide further information.
Stabroek News understands that the murder could have been a case of mistaken identity. A source said that Payne might have been mistaken for his brother Vellone Thorne, who currently has a dispute with an underworld figure and was possibly the target.
When this newspaper visited the dead man’s home yesterday, a number of relatives and friends gathered while his mother was being comforted as she continuously broke down. Stabroek News was also informed that a number of high ranking officials including Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken and members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had visited the family yesterday morning to offer condolences.
Payne’s aunt, Pauline Parris who sells a short distance from where the incident occurred said she was still open for business when her nephew was murdered before her eyes.
She fingered the police in the killing. She alleged that based on information received the shooting was carried out by someone named “Clive” who reportedly paid a police officer to assist in the act. “But you know what sis, this not no long time, I will make sure I go all out to get justice,” she said.
Parris explained that on Tuesday evening a few of Payne’s friends were sitting in front of a church located near to his home waiting for him. Shortly after, he arrived on a CG motorcycle. “He come and I tell him that his mother want to see him inside but instead he end up talking to one of his friends,” Parris recalled. It was seconds later that she heard the sounds of loud gunshots; the two men had arrived on a motorcycle.
According to the woman, one of the men walked up to Payne and placed a gun to his back before firing two shots. As a result he felt to the ground. The woman stated that the shooter did not leave the scene but rather walked up to a police officer, who was standing in the same street near to a parked police vehicle.
“The two of them [police and shooter] walk back towards my nephew after they done fire rapid shots they stand over he and shoot more to make sure he dead, no one didn’t even offer to take he to the hospital,” the grieving Parris said. “I had to run for cover after the shots start fire and I go and call for his family who were inside and by time I come out back I see him lay down on the ground motionless, he did done dead.”
When questioned if Payne had been involved in any dispute, the aunt said, “He is a soldier, never get in no crime.” She confirmed though that the family is aware of Vellone Thorne, his brother, having a problem with another individual.
“As they were together [the two brothers] I think they try to get rid of he [Payne] knowing that he is a soldier,” Parris added.
The family is now scared for the safety of Vellone.
In November 2008, Payne’s sister, Creavone Thorne’s semi-nude body was pulled out of a trench opposite the National Park, a few days after she went missing.
A post-mortem examination had revealed that she had died of manual strangulation. However, no one was ever charged with her murder.
The family is determined not to let this second matter “go down the drain. I does pass Water Street and see the man [Creavone Thorne’s alleged killer] and he would run every time he see me,” her mother said.
