Police are investigating the alleged murder of Jonnah Pedro, 25, a labourer from Normandie, Brazil. The incident occurred around 19:30 hrs last evening at Karasabai Village, South Pakaraimas, Region Nine.
According to a police report, the suspect—Michael Francis, 45, an unemployed resident of Rukumuta Village, South Pakaraimas—is currently hospitalised under police guard. Investigations revealed that the victim was the suspect’s stepson.
At approximately 19:00 hrs on Sunday, the suspect, his 53-year-old wife, and their 18-year-old daughter left their home in Rukumuta Village and traveled to Karasabai to collect their ‘cash grant,’ scheduled for distribution on Monday.
The victim, who lived in Brazil, crossed the border into Guyana that morning to also collect his cash grant. Upon arriving in Karasabai, he met with his mother, stepfather, and stepsister at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office, where the distribution was taking place.
After collecting their cheques, they proceeded to a nearby shop, where they consumed alcoholic beverages (Brazilian beers). Around 17:00 hrs, they moved to the home of a relative, Quincyann Albert, 34, a housewife of Karasabai, and sat on wooden stools in the yard conversing.
During the conversation, the suspect began discussing his brother, Moses Francis, who was allegedly murdered in Rukumuta Village on March 8, 2025. He became aggressive, started cursing, and made threats to kill whoever was responsible for his brother’s death.
The victim attempted to calm him down, advising him to stop. This angered the suspect, who, in the presence of the victim’s mother and other relatives, allegedly pulled a kitchen knife from his green haversack and stabbed the victim in the head, right armpit, and right shoulder. The victim ran a short distance before collapsing.
The victim’s mother (the suspect’s wife) raised an alarm, and his sister, who was inside the house, rushed outside. Together, they attempted to disarm the suspect, but he overpowered them. He then turned the knife on himself, stabbing himself in the chest.
Both the victim and the suspect were taken to Karasabai District Hospital, where the victim succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was transferred to Lethem Regional Hospital, where he remains under police guard in serious condition.
Investigations are ongoing.
