Construction Worker Remanded for Murdering Courtney Evans

September 9 2025

A 28-year-old construction worker from Coomacka Mines, Upper Demerara River, has been charged with the murder of US-based Guyanese businessman Courtney Evans.

Dead: Courtney Evans

The accused, Joel Harding, was arrested on September 1 by police ranks from Mackenzie Police Station in connection with the fatal incident, which occurred on August 31 at Coomacka Mines.

On Monday, September 8, Harding appeared before Magistrate Ruschell Liverpool at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was formally read to him. He was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to prison.

The case has been adjourned to October 20, 2025, for disclosure.

Evans, 49, had reportedly returned to Guyana from the United States before his death. Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the killing, but investigations are ongoing.

Courtney Evans, his brother Tyrone, and a friend were reportedly at the Coomacka Mines Beach socializing and consuming alcohol when the situation turned violent. While there, they encountered a group of four men and one woman who were also drinking. A confrontation began after the woman allegedly directed a derogatory remark at Tyrone Evans, leading to a physical altercation between them. The dispute quickly escalated into a brawl involving both groups. Following the fight, the woman and her companions left the scene in a white minibus.