Nov 14, 2026
3 min read
A 44-year-old man was chopped to death at his home in Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, on Friday night, with his 55-year-old brother-in-law now in police custody in connection with the killing.
Vernon Morgan, also known as “Cookie,” a self-employed man of Lot 30 Stanleytown, reportedly sustained several chop wounds, including injuries to his chest and abdomen, during the attack around 8 p.m. on November 13.
The suspect has been identified as Brian Grant, called “Fits,” a seaman who lives in the upper flat of the same building.
According to his partner of four years, Diane Ceres, Morgan was sitting on a bench outside their home when he was attacked. Ceres told Ignite News that she was inside caring for their children when Morgan ran into the house in an attempt to escape.
However, the attacker allegedly followed him, forced the door open with a cutlass and continued chopping him as he tried to flee.
“When the attacker attacked him, he ran inside. However, the man pushed the door with the cutlass, and when my husband tried to run outside, he done chop him up,” she recounted.
Ceres said Morgan was bleeding profusely and that women from a nearby shop eventually helped take him to the hospital. She alleged that others at the property did not immediately come forward to assist him.
The woman said tensions had been ongoing between Morgan and relatives living at the property, where the suspect reportedly occupies the upper flat.
Recounting the events leading up to the killing, Ceres said there had been an argument earlier that morning over pieces of wood with nails in the yard. Morgan reportedly removed the nails before leaving on his motorcycle.
He later returned home after Ceres contacted him to remind him to collect their children from daycare.
She also alleged that threats had been made earlier that day and claimed that the suspect was influenced by things communicated to him by his wife, who is Morgan's sister.
When Ignite News initially contacted the sister for comment, she declined to speak on the matter.
Ceres further described repeated harassment involving herself and her children, saying she no longer feels safe remaining at the property.
She wants the relatives to move out, recalling that Morgan had previously expressed a desire to live without the ongoing family tensions.
“I need everybody to move out, because he always said for him to live comfortably, they have to move out,” she said.
Morgan and Ceres had three children together, aged two months, one year and three years. Ceres also has an 11-year-old child from a previous relationship.
Struggling to come to terms with his death, she said Morgan was a devoted father and supportive partner who did everything he could to provide for his family.
“He's a very supportive man, I cannot lie. He would take his last to take care of his kids, and it's going to be very hard,” she said.
Ceres, who works for minimum wage, said she is worried about providing for the four children and hopes justice will be served.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
