Cove and John prisoner died from peritonitis- PM

March 27 2026

A post-mortem examination has confirmed the cause of death of Otis John Jordan Payne, a resident of South Haslington, East Coast Demerara, who died earlier this week while in police custody.

The examination was carried out on Friday, March 27, 2026, by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary.

According to the findings, Payne died as a result of peritonitis—an infection of the abdominal lining—caused by a perforated stomach ulcer.

A statement from the Guyana Police Force states that authorities also confirmed that specimens were collected from the body for further toxicology testing.

Following the examination, the body was released to the family for burial arrangements.

Payne’s sudden death sparked nationwide concern, the man who was being held at the Cove and John Police Station, complained of feeling unwell, police claimed that he was taken for medical attention and returned to custody after being treated, however the man’s family alleged that police brutality may have caused his sudden demise.