Burnt body of tour guide: Rancher’s son, cattle owner in custody

February 1 2026

Police are questioning the son of a Sand Creek, Rupununi rancher and have also detained a well-known beef supplier as investigations intensify into a suspected cattle rustling ring linked to the brutal murder of tour guide Leon Baird.

The two men were taken into custody on Sunday, February 1, and are currently being questioned at the Lethem Police Station, sources confirmed.

Baird, who previously worked at Wichabai Ranch, had reportedly raised concerns that one of the detained men — along with an older relative — had been stealing cattle belonging to his employer.

Investigators are said to have been aware of these reports prior to his death.

According to sources close to the probe, police received information placing one suspect in the Sand Creek area on the night of Friday, January 24 — the same area where Baird’s burnt vehicle was later discovered with charred remains inside.

Investigators also found the carcasses of two cows branded with the Wichabai mark, along with spent shotgun shells, in a separate location.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the 38-year-old Baird died from severe burns, indicating that he was likely alive when he was set on fire.

Rupununi ranchers say they have endured years of cattle rustling, with stolen beef reportedly being sold in Lethem.