Pursuant to an ongoing investigation of murder committed on Deon Charles in Albouystown, Georgetown on Christmas Eve, the suspect Ezekiel Hawker, otherwise known as “Alpha” for whom a wanted bulletin was issued was arrested on Wednesday by law enforcement officials in neigbouring Suriname.
This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum who said the officials informed local Police that Hawker, 19, a shopkeeper, of 246 Forshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown had fled the jurisdiction in an attempt to evade capture. As a result of the collaborative efforts, Hawker was handed over by the officials from Suriname to local investigators who promptly arrested him and placed him in custody.
Subsequently, the allegation of murder was put to Hawker and he admitted to committing the act, under caution. He allegedly told the Police that he shot and killed Charles who had previously shot him on two occasions after seeing him on Christmas Eve night on James Street, Albouystown.
Investigators also have in custody the driver of the motorcar which transported the suspect to and from the scene. He is also cooperating with the detectives. The probe is ongoing and upon completion, the case file will be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
Charles, 28, of 42 Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown was gunned down just before midnight on Christmas Eve. A Police report said that Charles was standing on the southern side of James Street, Albouystown when a white Toyota Axio (registration number unknown), came from an eastern direction and stopped in front of him.
The Police said that two males exited the back seat of the car (one was identified) and approached Charles and a loud explosion suspected to be that of a gunshot was heard. When Charles fell to the ground, the suspects immediately re-entered the car and made good their escape.
The injured man was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was examined and a gunshot wound was seen on the left side of the head.
Further, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it would like to thank its law enforcement counterparts in Suriname who, over the years, have offered vital support in apprehending suspects who have fled Guyana.
The GPF noted that in recent times, suspects in high-profile crimes have opted to flee the jurisdiction believing that they will forever evade justice. However, the Police Force assured that it will relentlessly pursue any suspect who adopts this course of action.
