By Mark DaCosta-In a shocking incident that has rattled the residents of La Grange, West Bank Demerara, a 39-year-old auto body technician has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a 34-year-old woman. This disturbing attack occurred on a quiet Tuesday evening, as the victim enjoyed time with her family on her front veranda. The incident highlights the troubling state of violence that has recently surfaced in our nation, raising questions about public safety and the effectiveness of our government’s crime-fighting strategies.
Attempted murder, according to our country’s Criminal Law (Offences) Act, is defined as an act where a person, with the intention to kill, engages in behaviour that goes beyond mere preparation towards committing the act. For a conviction to be secured, two key elements must be established: the intent to kill (Mens Rea) and an overt act (Actus Reus) that clearly indicates the attempt. The legal provisions specify that actions such as wounding, administering poison, or using firearms can all constitute attempted murder, making it a serious indictable offence punishable by life imprisonment.
The victim in this case was reportedly at home around 7 PM with family when an assailant, masked and armed with a handgun, burst into the yard and violently assaulted her. After sustaining multiple blows, she fled into a neighbouring yard as her attacker pursued her. Reports indicate that during the chase, the criminal struck her from behind, contributing to injuries she suffered to her head and body. Alarmingly, as the assailant made his escape, he discharged his weapon, firing two rounds towards her. Authorities have recovered a suspected 9mm shell casing at the scene, further evidencing the severity of the attack.
In response to this heinous act, police have detained the technician, and investigations are ongoing. The shocking nature of this crime has sent ripples of fear through the community, compelling residents to question their safety. The presence of CCTV footage in the area offers a glimmer of hope for justice, as investigators plan to extract the video to gather further evidence.
Reflecting on crime rates, the statistics paint a complex picture of our nation’s safety. The Guyana Police Force reported a concerning rise in homicides, with 130 recorded in 2025 — up from approximately 100 –110 the previous year. Despite the government touting a reduction in serious crimes overall, the increase in murder rates has raised alarms. President Ali has noted that while these figures mark the lowest number of murders in a decade, the uptrend in specific violent incidents, particularly domestic-related crimes, suggests that a larger problem persists.
Domestic violence, often escalating to murder, is reportedly on the rise. The most recent data indicates that the number of domestic murders doubled from 13 in 2024 to 26 in 2025. This worrying trend calls into question the effectiveness of the government’s crime prevention strategies and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform. High-profile violent incidents and “disorderly murders,” typically stemming from confrontations among individuals, have increasingly dominated media narratives, fueling public anxieties that starkly contrast with the official portrayal of safety.
In light of this recent attempted murder and the overall crime statistics, citizens in La Grange and beyond may feel that their safety is compromised. The urgency of addressing violent crime must become a priority for our leaders. The alarmingly high rates of attempted murder and murder are not mere statistics; they represent a deep-seated problem in our society that demands immediate action.
