By Mark DaCosta- A fatal domestic dispute on Sunday has left one woman dead and a man in police custody under hospital guard. The victim, 29-year-old Alexis Roxanne Harris, a farmer from Hill Foot, Linden Soesdyke Highway, was fatally stabbed by her reputed husband, James Lord, during a violent confrontation at her sister’s residence in Free and Easy, West Bank Demerara. The tragic incident occurred around 12:20 pm on Sunday, September 8th, 2024.
According to reports, Lord, aged 35, a labourer of East Indian descent, had gone to the residence to visit their children. However, an argument erupted when Harris, who had moved to her sister’s home two months earlier following an earlier altercation with Lord, was seen using her mobile phone. Enraged, Lord allegedly seized her phone and smashed it before following her outside to the stairway. There, Lord is said to have pulled out a knife from his bag and launched a brutal attack on Harris.
During the assault, Lord’s nephew, Junior Lord, who was present at the time, attempted to intervene. Tragically, Junior was stabbed in the abdomen as he tried to wrestle the knife away from his uncle. After Junior collapsed, James Lord continued his attack on Harris, stabbing her multiple times, including to her chest and hand. In a desperate bid to escape, Harris ran but soon collapsed in a nearby drain, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Public-spirited citizens rushed the injured Junior Lord to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he is currently in serious but stable condition. Alexis Harris, however, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Her body was subsequently taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlor. A post-mortem examination conducted today by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh revealed that Harris died from a stab wound to the heart.
James Lord fled the scene immediately following the attack, heading towards the nearby sea dam area. However, thanks to swift action from the police and members of the public, he was apprehended not long after. Upon his arrest, Lord was found with self-inflicted wounds, which he claimed were the result of a suicide attempt. He was transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he remains under police guard as investigations into the incident continue.
Further inquiries revealed that Harris had been living with Lord and their children at Hill Foot, but had relocated to her sister’s home two months prior after an alleged assault by Lord. At the time, he had threatened to kill her. Despite these threats and the previous violence, it appears that Sunday’s visit, which was meant to allow Lord to see his children, escalated into a deadly altercation.
This tragic incident is a grim reminder of the growing issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in Guyana. According to statistics, domestic violence remains a pervasive problem in our country, with women being disproportionately affected. Many such cases often end in severe injury or, as seen in this case, the loss of life. While efforts have been made by various governmental and non-governmental organisations to combat this issue, including public awareness campaigns and increased police intervention, much more remains to be done.
Stronger legal protections, coupled with accessible support services for victims, are critical steps that need to be taken. Public education on the signs of abuse and on how to seek help can also aid in early intervention before situations escalate to this level of violence. The community also plays a vital role in combating this issue, as seen in the swift assistance provided by citizens in apprehending Lord.
Ultimately, reducing gender-based violence requires a unified effort across all sectors of society. As a nation, we must work collectively to ensure that women, and indeed all citizens, feel safe in their homes and communities. Addressing the root causes of domestic violence, such as harmful gender norms and a culture of silence, is essential in putting an end to this cycle of abuse.
As investigations continue, the community of Free and Easy, along with the broader nation, mourns the loss of Alexis Roxanne Harris, yet another victim of the heartbreaking scourge of domestic violence.
