
June 29 2025
Police in Region Seven have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body of an unidentified male miner, known only as “Riley,” at Baramani Backdam along the Cuyuni River. The incident reportedly occurred between 00:30 and 02:00 hrs on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
According to preliminary reports, the victim’s body was discovered naked and bearing multiple stab wounds near a mining camp in the area. The gruesome discovery was made by another miner, who immediately alerted authorities.
Investigators from the Bartica Police Station responded to the scene and, during initial inquiries, arrested two suspects at the camp: 21-year-old Rovel Santiago of Khan Hill, Mabaruma, and 20-year-old Shawn Williams of Kuru Kururu Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
During questioning, both men reportedly admitted to their involvement in the crime. They later led police to the scene where the murder allegedly occurred. There, investigators recovered key evidence, including suspected murder weapons—believed to be knives—as well as the victim’s blood-stained clothing.
The suspects are currently in police custody as the investigation continues. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, and witness statements have been taken as part of the ongoing probe.

BIG Smith News Watch was established in 2015 and is recognized by the Guyana press Association as a legitimate media outlet in Guyana. Our operation focuses more community, human interest and developmental issues. We also do focus on matters of crime, security, business, politics and current affairs. The entity is headed by Leroy Smith, a practicing journalist with experience in news gathering, reporting and coverage spanning seventeen years. Mr. Smith joined the media 2005 and worked at several media housing before launching BIG Smith News Watch in 2015.