A 38-year-old labourer of Third Avenue, Bartica, and his 18-year-old girlfriend of Second Avenue, Bartica, were yesterday morning shot outside the Paradise Night club located in Third Avenue, Bartica.
The police believe the incident was an attempt by a 46-year-old miner of Fifth Avenue, Bartica, to murder Conroy Cox and his girlfriend, Lovella Douglas. It is reported that the shooting stemmed from an incident where a friend of the suspect accidentally bumped into the table where the victims were sitting in the nightclub, spilling their drinks on them.
Cox and the suspect then had a heated exchange during which Cox threw some liquid substance in the suspect’s face and assaulted him. Cox went away and returned shortly afterwards in his vehicle, where he continued to hurl abuse at the suspect.
However, as Cox exited his vehicle, the suspect took out his licensed firearm and discharged several rounds in Cox’s direction, hitting him three times in the abdomen. Cox’s girlfriend was shot on her right hand.
Both victims were rushed to the Bartica Hospital. Cox’s condition is considered critical, while Douglas’ condition is considered stable.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and is currently in custody while his firearm was confiscated and lodged at the police station. Two 9mm casings were recovered at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing.
