Two persons including the alleged triggerman in the more than one year old murder of Rose Hall resident Caitanya Kishundyal were arrested by the police on Friday evening and they have since admitted their involvement in the crime which they said was an intended robbery.
This was confirmed by a reliable source who told Stabroek News that the suspects who were identified as Asif Persaud called “Guitar”, 19, a labourer of Ankerville Port Mourant, Corentyne and Daniel McLennon called “Dutty”, 24, the alleged triggerman, of Lot 163 Second Street, Rose Hall, remained in custody as the investigation continues.
Twenty-one-year-old Kishundyal, of Lot 28 First Street, Swamp Section, Rose Hall, Berbice died on the evening of February 5, 2016 at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) Intensive Care Unit, some two days after he was shot to the abdomen with pellets as he entered his premises.
The police, in a statement, had said that the attack occurred at around 10 pm on February 3, 2016 while Kishundyal was closing his gate. The statement said that the youth was confronted by a man with a firearm during which a scuffle ensued and he was shot to the abdomen.
The gunman and his three accomplices escaped and Kishundyal, despite being shot, tried to follow them before calling for his mother and collapsing. He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital and transferred to the GPH the following day where he eventually succumbed.
A source told Stabroek News that during questioning, Persaud admitted that he was among five others including McLennon who were going to rob Kishundyal.
Persaud reportedly told the police that while he stood outside as the “look out”, he saw Kishundyal exit his car and head towards his gate. At that point, he said, McLennon who was armed with a gun and the others allegedly ran into the yard to attack Kishundyal.
Persaud allegedly claimed that during this process, a scuffle ensued during which Kishundyal fought back and McLennon allegedly shot him during the process.
The men then ran out of the yard and escaped empty handed.
Shortly after the incident, the police had arrested three men who were later released after the 72 hours detention period had expired.
However, a woman was charged with perverting the course of justice after she allegedly provided the police with a false statement in relation to the murder.
She had implicated at least two individuals as the perpetrators who shot and killed Kishundyal but later returned and denied giving any such statement.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Kishundyal died from shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot wounds.
