Money dispute linked to killing of 6-Y-O at Parika

October 1 2026

A dispute over money reportedly preceded the killing of six-year-old Chinese national Zi Feng Cao at a family restaurant in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday.

Zi, a student of Precious Lamb Primary School on Johnson Street, had reportedly returned home from school and entered the restaurant in the same building where his family lived.

According to information emerging from the investigation, the child’s death allegedly followed a confrontation between his father and 76-year-old Chinese national Quan Sheng Li, who reportedly went to the family’s restaurant seeking the return of money he claimed to have invested in the business.

A restaurant employee claims that Quan was speaking with Zi’s father when the child returned from school.

The employee said Zi entered the yard, approached Quan and hugged him, before falling to the ground moments later.

The child reportedly sustained a severe wound to the back of his neck.

He was rushed to De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Quan allegedly fled the scene armed with a chopper but was subsequently arrested.

During questioning, conducted with the assistance of a translator, Quan reportedly claimed that the ongoing dispute over money had escalated and that he felt cornered.

He later allegedly led investigators to the location where the weapon had been discarded. Police recovered the chopper and have also obtained CCTV footage from the area.

The child’s body is awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Quan remains in custody pending further investigations and possible charges.