Former Convict Commits Suicide in Custody After Arrest for Murder

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating the death of Suyjit Ramotar, also known as Mono, a 53-year-old rice farmer from Lot 72 Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Ramotar allegedly died by hanging while in custody at Whim Police Station.

Ramotar was arrested on May 22, 2024, in connection with the alleged murder of Joshua Hardatt, also known as ‘Money’, a welder from Lot 371 Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The murder is believed to have occurred between 18:00 hours on May 21 and 08:00 hours on May 22, 2024, at Auchlyne Cultivating Dam.

Ramotar was informed by police that he had been charged with the murder of Joshua Hardatt and was scheduled to appear in Whim Magistrate Court on May 28, 2024. The charge was read to him while in custody.

Later that afternoon, at approximately 16:55 hours, officers discovered Ramotar hanging by his neck in the lockup, using a piece of his jersey that he had torn and tied to the southern grill. The Crime Scene Technician processed the scene and found compression marks around his neck from the jersey. Ramotar was transported to Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His body is currently at the medical facility awaiting a postmortem examination as the OPR investigation continues.