Labourer Murdered at Lima Sands Essequibo 

28 June 2025

Police in Regional Division #2 have launched an investigation into the suspected murder of 46-year-old labourer Gary Melville, whose lifeless body was discovered early Saturday morning along the Lima Sands public road on the Essequibo Coast.

The incident, believed to have occurred between 8:00 PM on Friday, June 27, and 5:30 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025, has resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old farmer from the same community, who is currently in police custody.

According to initial investigations, Melville and the suspect, who were known to be friends, were seen at a local shop on Friday evening consuming alcohol. A female shopkeeper told police that the suspect had been drinking High Wine while Melville was consuming beer. During the drinking session, a scuffle reportedly broke out after the suspect accused Melville of burning him with a cigarette. The altercation left the suspect bleeding from the head and Melville on the ground.

The men were separated by a female patron, after which Melville left the shop on foot, heading north. The suspect departed the location on a motorcycle about ten minutes later, traveling in the same direction.

Around 5:30 AM, a 48-year-old resident walking along the public road discovered Melville’s body lying motionless on the eastern side of the roadway. She raised an alarm, and the police were notified.

Police ranks visited the scene and observed multiple injuries to Melville’s body, including wounds to the back of both hands, face, right knee, and feet. He was transported to the Suddie Hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival. The body was later taken to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

The suspect, who had visible injuries to his head, hand, and knee, was arrested by police and taken to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital for medical treatment. He was treated and subsequently returned to police custody.

Investigations into the alleged murder are ongoing.