The police have been instructed to conduct further investigations into the murder of gold miner, ‘Leon’, who was fatally shot after he allegedly attacked a licensed firearm holder at Kartuni Backdam, Cuyuni River last week.
This was confirmed by Commander of ‘F’ Division, Kevin Adonis, who told Stabroek News that the police were “legally advised to conduct further investigations” into the matter.
As a result, Adonis said the suspect, Kevin Baboolall, 27, a miner/businessman of First Ave Bartica, was yesterday released on station bail after his 72-hours detention period expired.
The incident took place around 7pm last Thursday at a mining camp in Kartuni Backdam, Cuyuni River.
The dead man has only been identified as “Leon”. His age and address remain unknown.
Investigations, this newspaper was previously informed, revealed that Baboolall went to a shop in the area to use the internet. Whilst there, he learnt that a tree had fallen, blocking his path to return to his camp. As a result, he spent the evening at the shop owner’s camp.
Reports are that Baboolall had just finished setting up his hammock and was praying when “Leon” allegedly began to verbally abuse him. During the process, “Leon” also continuously hit an object around the camp. He was armed with a cutlass.
The owner of the camp then tried to calm him down. However, ‘Leon’ reportedly drew the cutlass and escaped from the shop owner. He then reportedly proceeded to attack Baboolall, who was still in the hammock.
In fear for his life, the suspect drew his licensed firearm and discharged a warning shot in the air to scare ‘Leon’ off.
However, ‘Leon’ continued the attack, led to Baboolall discharging three other rounds, one of which struck ‘Leon’ in his chest.
The police were summoned to the scene, where they recovered four spent shells.
The suspected firearm has been lodged.
