Investigators are still trying to determine whether the three men who were held outside the Middle and Thomas streets, Cummingsburg building, where miner Henry Johanison was shot and killed during an alleged robbery attempt on Saturday, were in anyway linked to the crime.
This is according to Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman, who told Stabroek News yesterday that the three men remained in custody up to last evening while the probe is still ongoing.
Johanison, 25, was fatally shot around 12.10 pm on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to rob the owner of Kay’s Diamond Enterprise, which is located at Lot 288 Middle & Thomas Streets, Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
He reportedly sustained three gunshot wounds to the upper body in the shooting.
A 9 mm pistol and several rounds were allegedly found in his possession.
Three men, said to have accompanied Johanison, were in a car, HC 9457, parked outside of the business at the time of the shooting. They were taken into custody and the car was also impounded after police were notified about the fatal shooting. The men are said to be known to the police.
The dealer, who is licensed to trade diamonds and is also a licensed firearm holder, was detained for questioning and subsequently released.
A police source had previously told Stabroek News that the businessman related to investigators that he was in his office when he received a call from Johanison, who informed him that he was interested in selling some diamonds.
Johanison and the businessman are said to have known each other.
Johanison later journeyed to the business, where they spoke. Johanison at some point reportedly requested to use the washroom and upon returning he is said to have held the businessman at gunpoint and ordered him not to move.
However, the businessman, who was sitting at his desk, drew his licensed handgun and discharged several rounds in the direction of Johanison, hitting him.
The police were subsequently alerted.
The business is guarded by a private security firm. However, this newspaper understands that at the time of the incident no security guard was on duty.
The building is also monitored by surveillance cameras.
Johanison was reportedly not searched before entering the building since he was known to the businessman.
Johanison was previously implicated in thefts and fraudulent acts.
Up to yesterday afternoon, none of his relatives had shown up to identify his remains.
