A row, reportedly over $40, between two market vendors escalated yesterday and resulted in the stabbing to death of a young man.

Dead is Xuan Muster, 24, of 157 Waini Street, Meadow Brook Gardens. He reportedly suffered a serious stab wound just under his hip and died while receiving treatment at the public hospital. Both Muster and his attacker sold hats at the market.

Police said in a press release last night that the vendor was stabbed around 2.45 pm. According to the police, Muster’s assailant has been detained. The police said also that the two argued over money when it was alleged that the suspect was assaulted, and as a result he retaliated and stabbed Muster.

Reports are that Muster “lost his cool” during the argument and attacked the other man first with a cutlass.

Persons at the market who spoke with Stabroek News had only sketchy details of the incident, but the majority reported seeing Muster with a cutlass. His assailant armed himself with a knife to fend off Muster and reportedly dealt him the fatal wound within seconds of Muster advancing towards him.

Several market vendors looked on as the two fought each other; a few attempted to intervene. But according to one vendor, “weh blaze deh trouble deh”, and he decided to stay away from the struggle and looked on from a distance. Some persons at the market called the fight “senseless and sad” saying a life was taken over nothing.