Enterprise man stabbed to death by step-father

An Enterprise resident was stabbed to death early yesterday morning by his step father, bringing an end to years of feuding between the two men.

Lakeram Persaud, 34, called ‘Bolo,’ of Lot 197 Lincoln Street, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, was killed in his home after a row with his step-father. Up to press time last evening, his step-father, Albert Andrews, remained in police custody.

According to the police, the initial investigations have indicated that Persaud was involved in an argument with his stepfather, during which it is alleged that he was fatally stabbed to the chest with a knife. Police also confirmed the arrest of Andrews, who they said was in custody assisting with investigations.

Lakeram Persaud

Persaud’s body is at the Lyken’s Funeral Home, where it is being stored pending a post-mortem examination that will be conducted next week.

When Stabroek News arrived at the Enterprise home, several relatives were cleaning the kitchen area, where the stabbing occurred and others were tending to Persaud’s mother, Ramkumarie Manbahal, who had fainted.

Manbahal, who was still in shock and was at times inconsolable, related that she and Andrews had been involved in a relationship for about five to seven years, during which time the man would stay over at her home. “Me and he [the suspect] jus deh. He does go and come go and come,” she explained.

The woman said that she was unwell yesterday and Persaud decided to go to the downstairs kitchen to make tea for her. From all indications, the suspect, who was sleeping downstairs, opened the door to allow Persaud access to the bottom floor.

Manbahal recalled that as soon as the door was opened, she heard Andrews shout, “You muddas**** ah disturb people soon marning… meh gon kill yah, meh gon kill yah muddas*** today!”

Before she could run to rescue Persaud, the grieving woman said, he had already been stabbed him with a penknife. Persaud, who was bleeding profusely from his wound, fell on her as she approached. After the stabbing, she added, Andrews changed his bloody clothing and then left the house, saying that he was going to the police station. But by then, the police, who were called by neighbours alarmed by Manbahal’s screams, had arrived at the scene and they arrested Andrews.

Ramkumarie Manbahal

According to Manbahal, Andrews had previously threatened Persaud with the knife that was used in the attack. She explained that the man never liked her son and they have been arguing for years. “They always, always got a problem because de boy ah smoke and me does cook and he [Persaud] does eat and he does seh dat meh son does eat out de food,” she said near tears. She noted that because of the ongoing problems, her son spent most of his time outside of the house, “up and down” the road.

Manbahal added that she Andrews would also often argue and he would curse her and accuse her of “picking fare,” but she said that she had no choice but to put up with the bad treatment. She described Persaud as a good son but lamented that “the smoking” was the only problem.

Meanwhile, Persaud’s ex-wife, Karmini Charittar, said that around 7 am, a cousin called and asked if “meh hear that Bolo get stab up.” Her worst fears were confirmed when she arrived at the house.

Charittar explained that they parted ways about five years ago and Persaud went to live with his mother.  She said that she last saw him alive about three to four weeks ago, but he did not mention having any problems with his step-father. She added that Persaud drank alcohol and used drugs but he was not someone who would pick trouble.

Persaud was a father of one.