Former Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Board, Hugh Denbow died on Monday evening, hours after he was found trussed in his North Sophia home following a suspected home invasion.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that Denbow, a 63-year-old engineer was found in an unconscious state around 11.30 am on Monday with his hands, feet and neck tied together in the kitchen area of his Lot 1 Area D Plantation Sophia, George-town home, which he occupied alone.
Denbow was employed with Orinduik Development Inc.
While details surrounding his death remain unclear, Stabroek News understands that the police were summoned to the scene after the manager of Orinduik Development Inc reported to the Prashad Nagar outpost that he had been trying to contact Denbow since Saturday evening but calls to his phone had gone unanswered.
The police then accompanied Denbow’s manager to his house during which the gruesome discovery was made. At the time, there was no sign of forced entry but a door to the house was unsecured and the house had been ransacked.
Denbow was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed around 8 pm on Monday while receiving medical attention.
It is suspected that the perpetrator/s gained access to the house after they ambushed Denbow as he was entering his yard.
A police investigation has since been launched. While there has been no arrest, Stabroek News understands that several persons in the area were questioned.
When this newspaper visited the scene yesterday, the house which is heavily grilled was tightly secured. A vehicle was parked in the yard and the lights were on.
Residents did not recall hearing any strange sounds which might have alerted them that something was amiss.
They said it was not until Monday morning when they saw a heavy police presence at the house that they learnt of the discovery and subsequent death of Denbow.
A wash bay operator, who wished not to be named, told Stabroek News that he had known Denbow for a number of years and it’s a norm for him to wash his vehicle.
The man said he last saw Denbow on Friday afternoon when he visited his wash bay. He added that they had a drink together during which Denbow told him that he wanted him to wash his house on Sunday.
He noted that on Sunday he passed Denbow’s house to visit the gas station when he noticed the gate to his premises opened. He said he called out to Denbow but got no answer.
“What they do to that man is wrong. He was a very good man,” the man related.
Stabroek News understands that Denbow’s children reside overseas.
Up to late yesterday afternoon, the police had not issued an official statement on the case.
