The police are currently seeking further legal advice in relation to the killing of a gold miner, identified only as ‘Leon,’ who was fatally shot after he allegedly attacked a licensed firearm holder at Kartuni Backdam, Cuyuni River more than two weeks ago, Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis has said.
Contacted for an update on the matter yesterday, Adonis told Stabroek News that the case file has since been re-sent for further legal advice, which will determine the way forward in the matter.
Last week, Adonis had told this newspaper that the police were instructed to conduct further investigations.
As a result, the alleged shooter, Kevin Baboolall, 27, a miner/businessman of First Ave Bartica, was released on station bail.
The incident took place around 7 pm on February 7th at a mining camp in Kartuni Backdam, Cuyuni River.
Police have said 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.
Baboolall had just finished setting up his hammock and was praying when ‘Leon’ allegedly began to verbally abuse him. ‘Leon,’ who was armed with a cutlass, also reportedly continuously hit an object around the camp.
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, Baboolall is reported to have drawn his gun and discharged a warning shot in the air to scare ‘Leon’ off. However, ‘Leon’ continued the attack, which led to Baboolall discharging three other rounds, one of which struck ‘Leon’ to his chest.
The police were summoned to the scene, where they recovered four spent shells.
