No new leads in McKenzie murder despite reward ad

Lakeram McKenzie’s overseas-based relatives are offering a reward for information leading to the apprehension of persons involved in his murder in December during a robbery, though the case has not progressed since the advertisement was published.

McKenzie was brutally gunned down in his backyard when a band of men stormed his property at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The men who came from the direction of the seawall were heavily armed. They made off with about $200,000, an undisclosed amount of US currency and a quantity of jewellery.

Renita Bacchus one of his sisters and a number of other relatives had told Stabroek News a week later that they would do all they could to ensure the perpetrators of the crime were brought to justice. A local relative acknowledged the placement of the advertisement but said it was not possible for her to comment on the matter.

A Bachelor’s Adventure man, 20-year-old Ryan Bacchus has been charged with the murder. He appeared at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court and was remanded; the police had requested more time to search for other suspects.

The advertisement in the press requests that persons with information call the Criminal Investigation Department in Georgetown or on the ECD.

According to Crime Chief Heeralall Mackhanlall it is likely that relatives spoke with Commissioner of Police (ag) Henry Greene or a Commander to place the advertisement. They would simply have had to inform the officer that they would like to place the advertisement in the press asking for the public’s assistance while offering a reward.

However, Mackhanlall said he was not aware exactly what procedure was followed with regard to the McKenzie advertisement.