Three persons inclusive of the owner of a coconut estate have been arrested and are assisting police with investigations into the brutal murders of two cousins Joel Henry, 19, and Isaiah Henry, 16, of No. Three Village, West Coast Berbice.
The bodies of the two were found yesterday.
During a press conference this morning, acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie disclosed that in addition to the owner of the coconut estate, a handyman and the owner’s son have also been arrested.
He noted further that the Criminal Investigation Department has deployed six ranks from the Major Crimes Unit and is preparing to send additional ranks to aid in the investigations.
Hoppie also stated that the ranks are currently processing the crime scene and will be using every available technology in the force to crack the case.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn during the press conference said that there should be no excuse for the attack on the cousins and labelled the attack as “vicious.” He reassured all Guyanese that no stone will be left unturned during the course of the investigation.
Benn appealed to the protesting residents of the neighbouring communities to act in the interest of law and order.
“We have to bring things back to a more peaceful situation and to allow the opportunity for the police force as a whole to access areas to do their investigations,” the Home Affairs Minister stressed.
It was stated that the force will be mobilizing additional resources to remove debris left behind by protestors and work to clear the thoroughfare.
“I want to continue to appeal to the residents in the communities out there, those upstanding and reasonable persons in the communities to bring their influence and appeal to bring calm to this situation… Police have brought assets into the area to try to open up the roads again,” Benn underscored.
Residents of Region Five are continuing the protest along the main public road in Number 5 Village, West Coast Berbice, over the murders.
Isaiah, 16 and Joel, 18, went missing on Saturday after they left home to head to the backlands to pick coconuts.
After the teenagers failed to return on Saturday afternoon, a massive search was launched. The bodies with multiple injuries were found yesterday afternoon.
Residents are calling on the Guyana Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation and nab the perpetrator/s at the earliest.
