A late-night altercation at a bar in the Mazaruni mining district turned fatal over the weekend, leaving a Charity, Essequibo Coast miner dead and police searching for a 31-year-old man identified as the alleged suspect.
The dead man has been identified as Shawn Abrams, who was reportedly working as a miner in the Issano area of the Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven.
Police said the incident occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, at 14 Miles, Issano, where Abrams was reportedly drinking with three friends and the alleged suspect at a bar in the 14 Miles Backdam area. According to investigators, an argument developed between Abrams and the suspect while the group was consuming alcohol.
One of the men reportedly intervened and separated the two. It was during that intervention, police said, that the man noticed what appeared to be bloodstains on Abrams’ vest. The alleged suspect then reportedly ran from the shop. Abrams walked a short distance before collapsing.
When detectives subsequently arrived and processed the scene, Abrams’ motionless body was found on the ground in front of the counter.
Police have been searching several mining camps in the 14 Miles Backdam area for the suspect, but he had not been located at the time of the latest reports.
No CCTV cameras were found in the immediate area, according to police, although investigators have taken statements from witnesses as part of the murder investigation.
The killing highlights the dangers associated with remote mining communities, where access to emergency services and law enforcement can be considerably more difficult than in populated coastal areas.
Police have not disclosed the precise nature of the injuries suffered by Abrams or indicated what weapon, if any, was used.
The alleged suspect is described as a 31-year-old miner from Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Investigations are continuing, and police are urging anyone with information that could assist in locating the suspect to come forward. The suspect has not been charged, and the allegations against him have not been tested in court.
