Rancher re-arrested, firearms seized in Tour Guide’s murder probe
Rancher, Nephew re-arrested, firearms seized in Tour Guide’s murder prob
By Michael Jordan
Police have re-arrested a well-known rancher and detained his nephew as investigations intensify into the January murder of tour guide and Wichabai ranch hand Leon ‘Rasta’ Baird.
This publication understands that the rancher was taken into custody on Tuesday, February 10, just hours after his nephew was questioned at the Lethem Police Station.
Reached by BIG Smith News Watch, Regional Commander Mohamed Ally said, ” the investigation is still very active, and we are working assiduously to being this matter to a conclusion.
Investigators have also reportedly seized firearms belonging to the rancher and other individuals, which were transported to Georgetown for further examination.
Police were informed that one of the suspects, along with another individual, was seen in the Sand Creek, Rupununi area, where a burnt Wichabai vehicle containing Baird’s charred remains was later discovered.
Investigators are still searching for a suspected cattle rustler known as ‘Satan’, who may have critical information about the killing.
He is reportedly among those Baird had previously implicated in cattle theft and accused of threatening his life.
The detained rancher was previously among several individuals held and later released, with instructions to report weekly to the Lethem Police Station.
Tensions remain high in Region Nine, where members of the Rupununi ranching community and other stakeholders, during a Sunday, February 8 meeting, urged police to bring those responsible to justice and curb the growing problem of cattle rustling.
Baird, 38, who is expected to be laid to rest on Friday, February 13 at St. Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, is believed to have been killed on Friday, January 23, during a confrontation with rustlers who allegedly stole two cattle belonging to his employer. His badly burned remains were discovered three days later.
Police also recovered the carcasses of two slaughtered cows, along with a knife and spent bullet casings in a separate location as part of the ongoing investigation.
