Eping Ave deaths

Samples were taken from the decomposing remains of the Cuban doctor who was found dead along with a woman in his house last week after a post-mortem examination (PME) yesterday was inconclusive.

A senior police official told Stabroek News yesterday that government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh was unable to determine how the man died. The official said samples were taken for toxicology testing and would be sent to an overseas lab shortly.

The autopsy on Dr Guillermo Martinez, a 58-year-old physiotherapist, was delayed after no one came forward to positively identify him.

The decomposing remains of Dr Guillermo and 47-year-old Berbician Usawatie Persaud were discovered last Thursday in the doctor’s Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park apartment where he also conducted his private practice. A foul smell started emanating from the apartment and the police were informed.

A PME conducted on Persaud on Monday revealed that she was stabbed multiple times to the face, throat and abdomen. Police believed that Martinez stabbed the woman to death before consuming a poisonous liquid.

Police removed two knives, including one that was bloodied, and a small bottle from the scene.

This newspaper was told that investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide, but all possible angles are still being explored to ensure that no third party was involved.

Persaud left her New Amsterdam home last Wednesday morning to travel to the city, where she claimed she was going to visit a friend. Attempts to contact her later in the day were unsuccessful. Steve, the woman’s son, said that his mother would normally use Dr Martinez’s services.