Three, including juvenile, remanded for murder of Chinese businessman

January 2 2025

Three suspects, including a 17-year-old juvenile, have been formally charged and remanded in connection with the robbery and murder of 61-year-old businessman Chen Yongping at Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice, marking the latest development in the police investigation.

Charged are Pieter Baker, 29, a pump operator of Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice; Clowin “Screech” Morris, 29, a labourer of Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice; and a 17-year-old male. The trio has been accused of murder in the furtherance of a robbery, allegedly committed on December 22, 2025.

The accused appeared on Friday, January 2, 2026, before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court, where the charge was read to them.

They were not required to plead. Baker and Morris were remanded to prison, while the juvenile was remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre. The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, January 14, 2026.

Background

The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred at about 05:00 hrs on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Cumberland Village. Police investigations revealed that Chen Yongping and another businessman, aged 32, had returned home after travelling earlier that morning when they were confronted by two identifiable men armed with knives.

The suspects allegedly robbed the victims of a quantity of Guyana currency and mobile phones. During the attack, both men were stabbed and sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where Chen succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. The injured businessman was treated and later discharged.

As investigations intensified, police arrested three suspects on Monday, December 29, 2025 — a 17-year-old from Bun Bush Dam, Canje, and two 29-year-old men from the Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme. The suspects were cautioned and interviewed, during which investigators said admissions were made.