A Linden miner was shot dead on Monday during an argument over a card game at Quartzstone Backdam, in Region Seven and the gunman has since been arrested.
The dead man has been identified as Raymond Leitch, 28, of Lot 2022 Amelia’s Ward, Linden.
Police spokesman Jairam Ramlakhan yesterday confirmed the fatal shooting, which took place around 12.30 pm.
He said the suspect, who has been identified as a 34-year-old of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, is presently in police custody and is cooperating with investigators.
The suspect is the holder of a firearm precept from a security company, with which he works. The suspected murder weapon, which is owned by the private security company, has since been lodged.
The police, in a press release yesterday, said that investigations revealed that Leitch was shot during an argument which stemmed from a game of cards.
This newspaper was told by a source that Leitch and the suspect own shops in Quartzstone Backdam and that their shops are not situated far from each other.
Police sources told Stabroek News that Leitch, the suspect and two other men were gambling when an argument ensued between Leitch and the suspect over a sum of money which the suspect claimed he won. As a result, a scuffle ensued. Public-spirited persons managed to “part’ the men and they both returned to their respective shops but continued to verbally abuse each other.
During the row, the suspect allegedly drew the firearm and discharged a round which struck Leitch in his chest.
Leitch succumbed before he could be transported out of the area for treatment.
