A 65-year-old pensioner, Earl Griffith, of Lot 203 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden, was discovered lying at a contractor’s gate with blood running from the left side of his neck last week Monday between 18.00 hours and 21.00 hours leaving relatives seeking answers as to what really happened to him.
Reports state that the body had two chop wounds on the left side of the face and neck.
Investigations have so far revealed that the location of the alleged crime is secluded, not within public view, and poorly lit. Further the deceased had lived alone and had previously suffered a stroke, which resulted in him having a speech impediment.
The contractor, Rafel Luther, 37, told the police that he operates a fish shop situated in a partially fenced compound, with a single wooden double gate at Wisroc Housing Scheme. He further stated that Griffith was a regular customer at his business and would usually come to hang out in the afternoons.
Luther said that about 17.50 hours last Monday, he returned home from work and saw Griffith filling a bottle at a standpipe at his business place. Then around 18.00 hours, he observed him heading towards the entrance of his business place. Shortly thereafter, Griffith left his business place for his own residence through the same. Luther said he also left with his vehicle through the same gate and upon returning at approximately 21:00 hours, as he attempted to open his gate, he discovered the deceased lying on the ground with what appeared to be blood running from the left side of his neck. He immediately reported the matter to the Wisroc police outpost.
The deceased was found lying motionless on his back clad in a purple t-shirt and multi-coloured checkered pants. He had two chops wounds on the left side of his face and neck, with what appeared to be blood running from the lacerations. The sum of $2,006 was removed from the deceased’s pocket and placed into an evidence bag. No weapon was recovered at the scene.
Several individuals in the area were contacted and interviewed, but no useful information was obtained. The surrounding area was canvassed for CCTV cameras, but none was found.
A post mortem performed on the body last week Wednesday gave the cause of death as multiple wounding. The body was then handed over to the relatives for burial.
Griffith’s body was cremated on Tuesday. His son, Shadrack Griffith, told Stabroek News yesterday that he had no idea what really happened to his father, but he is still trying to find out who really killed his father. “I really don’t know wat really happened but I’m still trying to find out who really do that,” adding, “All we know is that someone chop him in his face… No body don’t know is who… But I’m seeking information.”
