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Battered and nude body of teen found on Hope Road -appears to have been shot

BY Staff and Administrator

By Oluatoyin Alleyne

The battered and naked body of a 15-year-old girl was found early yesterday morning on the lonely Hope Estate Access Road, East Coast Demerara.

The body of Sheliza Khan called ‘Shelly’, who only turned fifteen last April, was discovered lying face down hours after she went missing from a Mahaica Chinese restaurant.

Police last evening said that the girl had suspected gunshot wounds to her head and other marks of violence about her body. The lawmen found four .32 spent shells at the scene.

A grief-stricken Chanawattie Khan identified the body of her youngest child yesterday afternoon at the Lyken Funeral Home and told Stabroek News that her daughter’s face was so battered that she was almost unrecognisable. She and other relatives rushed down to the funeral home after being informed by the police that the body was found. The woman said from all indications her daughter was also sexually assaulted. Some of her teeth were knocked out and the back of her head bashed in.

“I know she body and I recognise she but it was hard, she had on pink cutex (nail polish) and I recognise it. But if you see wah dem do to me daughter she nah deserve to dead like dah. All she teeth dem knock out and she had cut pun she mouth,” the woman said.

When Stabroek News visited the area where the teenager was found there were some spots of blood visible. The area where she was found is very lonely but persons living in the Hope Scheme, which is opposite the area, reported that they heard what sounded like gunshots sometime early yesterday morning but did not venture outside.

It is not clear who discovered the corpse but one woman told Stabroek News that she rushed to the scene after hearing reports and saw the body lying on its stomach. The woman said no one attempted to turn over the body but they observed that the back of the head had a wound and there was lots of blood.

She said there was no sign of clothing next to the naked body.

Chanawattie recalled that three weeks ago her daughter was threatened by a man who lives in the area. According to the woman her daughter reported the matter to the Mahaica police but no action was taken against the man. “She come home and tell me how he tell she dat he like she and if he can’t get she no man could get she.

He get he wife and children but he tell she, how he go lef he wife fo she and mind she and she report the matter because she frighten he,” the woman said.

The teenager left her Lot 50 Lancaster Village, East Coast Demerara home, at around 7:30 on Saturday night in the company of a neighbour to purchase Chinese food at Mahaica. Prior to her departure she was playing cricket in the neighbourhood and upon her arrival home she found that most of the food her mother had cooked that day was already consumed. “She tell me how she want rice and me give she seven hundred dollar and I went and check with (name given) to mek sure that she going with she,” the woman said. She said she was not at home when her daughter left and did not know until yesterday morning that she had not returned home. Chanawattie explained that she does not sleep home some nights and her daughter would usually be with her older sister in the bottom flat of a two-flat house with their brother and his wife in the top flat.

According to the neighbour, shortly after they arrived at the Chinese shop she got a call from her husband on her cellular phone. At the time they were in the process of purchasing the food and she left the teenager in the shop and went outside to answer the phone. “I lef she in the shop and I went outside and because of the noise I had to go behind a wall and stoop down to hear my husband and when I finish and go back in the shop I ent see Shelly no where.” At the time the young girl was wearing an orange top and pink pants.

The woman said she started looking for the girl but no one seemed to know where she had gone.

Questioned as to whether anyone spoke to them while in the restaurant, the neighbour said no one attempted to talk to them and as far as she knew the teenager did not seem to know anyone while there.

After some time passed and the girl still did not return the neighbour said she decided to call a friend who drives a taxi as she had no money to go home.

She said she and the taxi driver drove around in the area looking for the girl but there was no sign of her and she decided to return home. “I say she must be see somebody and talking to them and she would go home after. So yesterday morning when I get up I went to she house and then she sister tell me she ent reach home yet so we went and tell she mother,” the neighbour said.

The child’s mother said that after looking for her daughter and not finding her she decided to report the matter to the police.

Later in the day she was told that a body was found and she travelled to the city and identified her child’s body.

According to her mother she stopped attending school sometime earlier this year and went to Berbice and lived with a man for about six weeks.

But she said she later brought her back home after Sheliza called and explained that the man was having an affair with someone else. “But the boy ent had no problem with she coming back because he had he girlfriend,” the woman said.

She described her daughter as someone who was always jovial and “love to dance.”

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39 Responses to “Battered and nude body of teen found on Hope Road -appears to have been shot”

hitman4hire
on June 16th, 2008 6:21 am

VERY SAD STORY AND IT’S A SHAME WHAT THEY DID TO HER,I HOPE THE FIND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE. R.I.P

[Reply to this]
guy123
on June 16th, 2008 6:49 am

I think that neighbour should be subjected to some serious questoning,she knows something.

[Reply to this]
GTTODEBONE
In reply to the above comment on June 16th, 2008 8:52 pm:
GUY123 I agree 100% that story sounds too good to be true.

[Reply to this]
malaika06
on June 16th, 2008 6:53 am

When will it end? How many more tears? This is just too, too much. Only 15 years old?

How many more mothers will have to endure this. C’mon men YOU HAVE to tell your ilk that it’s not “okay” or “normal” to batter a female.

Ms Khan, my sincerest condolences to you. I hope that in time you’ll find some measure of solace and enough to help stamp out this scourge that has apparently resurfaced

[Reply to this]
simonsez
on June 16th, 2008 7:21 am

This is just sad and sickening!…. May her soul rest in peace. May God grant her mother, other relatives and friends the strength to cope with her untimely departure from this world.

[Reply to this]
bvbocan
on June 16th, 2008 8:16 am

Absolutely barbaric!

[Reply to this]
raulcedras
on June 16th, 2008 8:47 am

What a shame!! What a shame!!

[Reply to this]
Flawless
on June 16th, 2008 9:15 am

would this be another unsolve case like the Monica Reese saga

[Reply to this]
ms guyana
on June 16th, 2008 10:29 am

this is savagery
i guess the restaurant don’t have cameras
remember this: “her daughter reported the matter to the Mahaica police but no action was taken against the man”

[Reply to this]
gap1
on June 16th, 2008 10:45 am

Edited version:

My God! This man, whoever he is, is a monster! I had to read this story in three sittings, that’s how much it takes your breath away! It is such a horrible thing to do to anyone!

As I read this thread, I remember a conversation that I had with my daughter only two days ago! I wanted to teach her how to spot a psychopath because many of these murders could be avoided if parents are more vigilant, if they train themselves to spot these people within our midst, and then pray that our daughters would listen before it’s too late.

My daughter is 12, and I am pre-empting this, explaining to her that I don’t know if I would be around when she gets older, (a car could kill me and I am her mother, I want her to be safe, regardless) so I just want her to be aware that psychopaths could be spotted if she knows exactly what she’s looking for.

I have this link to provide to parents, and I am hoping that there are enough mothers who would read this story within SN on the net so that they could click on the link and read the thread. Take your time, you could read it in several visits but I can promise you, at the end of it, you’ll begin to appreciate that per capita, there seems to be far too many psychopaths in Guyana, and that this national conversation about what we should do with them to prevent these heinous crimes, should begin now.

The thread is called How Do We Tell If Our Partner Is A Psychopath?

Find some time to read the entire thread. One day, who knows, you might be glad that you did. I hope that it never have to come to that. For overseas Guyanese, we all know parents with daughters back home, if they have no computer, print the thread and send it to them, if they do, encourage them to find the time to read it.

http://www.guyanesereunions.com/guyanaforums/showthread.php?t=641

[Reply to this]
Arcadia Terry
on June 16th, 2008 10:53 am

I have never dreamt of the day when things like this happen in Guyana, if this is what this Nation has gone to we are lost. How can we encourage people to visit Guyana when every day on the news we read of Murder Robbery etc. My Sympathy to the family.

[Reply to this]
Sally
on June 16th, 2008 11:24 am

Answer to Flawless: YES this is going to be another unsolved case like Monica Reese. This is something quite typical that goes on in Guyana…do you know why? All those minister and Police Officers sitting on their head…they have only been talking about how to decrease the crime situation in Guyana…however, nothing has been done.
MY sympathies go out to the family of Sheliza Khan.

[Reply to this]
billp
on June 16th, 2008 11:42 am

I

[Reply to this]
guyaneselinguist
on June 16th, 2008 11:47 am

Everyday as I get up I am eager to read SN to see what is going on in my country, however sometimes I regret doing so because of the headlines.

How can people be so cruel and inhumane to each other? Shaleiza was only 15 yrs old, her whole life ahead of her.

I trust that this barbaric and heartless crime is solved and that the person or persons involved face the full brunt of the law..

However, I wonder if it will be solved, since the GPF makes a lot of empty promises which are hardly fulfilled. There are so many gruesome murders that have taken place over the years and to date, they have not been solved.

I am truly disgusted with what is going on in Guyana. Crime is so rampant, it seems as if that is the only thing that one can expect now in Guyana. I know that crime is worldwide but, oh gosh, it is too much in Guyana!!!!!!!!!! When will it end? When will crime be reduced?

My heart goes out to the family. They have my condolences and I hope that they will be able to get through this extremely difficult and heart-wrenching episode in their lives.

[Reply to this]
billp
on June 16th, 2008 11:54 am

I agree with guy123 because Kaieteur News reports a different version from the neighbour what actually happened that evening.The neighbour claimed they both had two beers each with some guy in a white route 50 mini bus, then left them to answer her phone, when she came back they were gone.Sounds fishy does’nt it? A Gil Baka!!!

[Reply to this]
bvbocan
In reply to the above comment on June 16th, 2008 1:40 pm:
Why do SN and Kaieteur News have such different version of the story? Quite often I have noticed the same story being carried by the two media houses but with different factual details such as age, address, ect

Who is the public to believe in those cases? This should not happen and there needs to be a commission setup to ensure that these two newspaper vet their info before going to press.

[Reply to this]
No Patriot
In reply to the above comment on June 16th, 2008 4:48 pm:
While I have not read KN’s version of this story, what the neighbour said in this version does sound fishy. This neighbour is definitely hiding something. Her story does not add up.

[Reply to this]
gtking48
on June 16th, 2008 11:55 am

MY deepest condolences to the family of this child. This is an abominable crime committed by a demented mind.There are too many perverts and misogynists roaming the streets of Guyana preying on girl children and women.I do hope that this perpetrator is apprehended and brought to justice swiftly. Castration of any individual found guilty of such heinous crime without murder should be mandatory.Where murder is involved the death penalty would be appropriate.It is my fervent desire and hope the legislature would unanimously pass such a law.

What say you Jagdeo and Corbin at least this is one piece of legislation you can both agree on.

[Reply to this]
gtking48
on June 16th, 2008 11:57 am

l

[Reply to this]
guyaneselinguist
on June 16th, 2008 12:37 pm

This so-called friend of Shaleiza needs to be taken in for questioning. Her story does not pan out at all about talking on a cell phone and because of noise, etc she could not hear and when the conversation ended her friend was not in sight. Rubbish!!! Bunkum!!!!

What she i saying,a s far as I know, only happens in the movies. Seeing that the young woman went into the Chinese shop to buy food, and someone comes to abduct her, i would think that the first thing that she would do is to raise an alarm by screaming or shouting out.

She knows more than she is willing to admit. The mere fact that there was no report of screaming or hollering on Sheleiza’s part says to me that whomever she met there or whatever happened, she had to have gone with someone she was familiar with and not a total stranger.

The friend needs to be pressured into saying what exactly happened. If she refuses to speak, she should be held for withholding infomation or aiding and abetting in murder. Let’s see if she will remain silent or not!!!

Let us look to see how this story unfolds.

[Reply to this]
kaikan
on June 16th, 2008 1:01 pm

I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. It is a reprehensible, dastardly act.

I do hope the actor in chief COP and his staff could do the job they are paid to do, ie “serve, protect and defend the citizens”, of dastards who took this innocent life.
Yesterday I celebrated father’s day with my children and grandchildren, and it was such a joy for me. The mother and father could not do the same with their daughter, how sad.
To the family, my deepest condolences, know that your child is now with the Divine protector. Though her physical presence will be missed, be assured that she will always be there with you in spirit.
My prayers are with you as we all mourn her loss, but let us also celebrate the time she was with us, as she now rest with God.

Be blessed

[Reply to this]
Chemist
on June 16th, 2008 1:33 pm

A sad day for youths and people as a whole in GT.

[Reply to this]
Debbie
on June 16th, 2008 1:36 pm

Yes, it was a horrible way to die and rape is such a degrading and debilitating act. Survivors are emotionally and psychologically scarred. The perpetrators of this heinous crime deserve their life being taken from them.
No one chooses to mention this girl was a troubled teenager who was seriously neglected and failed by those around her.
As a high school dropout, she should have been given special attention to return her to the education system. As a runaway, she should have been given special attention to prevent recurrence.
A fifteen year old female allowed to go to a bar with a married woman and have a “few beers” is unheard off in Canada. Why is it accepted in Guyana?
A child was left to her own devices, to act as an adult, make erroneous decisions and suffered the consequences of her rash actions, resulting in rape, torture and death.

Ask yourselves this:-

Who is to blame? Was this preventable? How can we avoid this senseless crime from recurring?

[Reply to this]
Lewisr
on June 16th, 2008 1:39 pm

My sincere condolences to the mother, family and friends of Sheliza Khan.

I would suggest that the police focus closely on the neighbour but fear that they would not have a clue about proper investigative predures and are likely to botch this case as they have the hundreds of others that go unsolved.

Will the person with whom she cohabited in Berbice before turning 15 years of age be prosecuted under the existing underage sex law or must someone ring a hugh bell before the police thinks of this?

[Reply to this]
popeoplefedup
on June 16th, 2008 1:40 pm

Very tragic indeed and it underscores the barbarity which prevails in Guyana today. Almost everyone has that boiling lust for the blood and death of others, no matter how young the victims.

Doesn’t matter if it is an urban or rural landscape, the devils are always on the prowl.

The SN story however is disappointingly limited and when you read the KN article you get a better grasp of the issues.

A drop out, who benefits from lax parenting and is abetted into a common law relationship. Danger brewing. A child, who both by her fascination with the glamorous lifestyle and casual parenting, befriends shady company. Equally dangerous.

I am not justifying this horrific outcome, as anyone could have encountered this deplorable fate, but I am constantly aggrieved when the home situation abandons these young people.

The minister who flaunts herself on the podium of human services while discounting the severity of human abuse in this country, ought to make these perpetrators “walk on coals”. I am doubtful any of that would happen though, as we all know the only articulation comes as defense of ridiculous government rhetoric. Moreover, the police should be able to apprehend those bus boys with whom this child and her friend were apparently fraternizing. Finally, the suspicious friend should be made to undergo a lie detector test (this is what it should be used for).

SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! WOE! WOE! WOE!

[Reply to this]
GT_BANA
on June 16th, 2008 2:59 pm

It seems to me whenever an incident occurs and reported to the police station, zero actions are taken. The article stated that she had some problems with another male and it was reported but no actions was taken. If investigators determine that the male who the report was filed against turns out to be the murderer, shame on the police. I have read of so many incidents that occurred and reported to the police station which later turned into someone getting killed. The police needs to stop being lazy and do their jobs to prevent these types of murders.

The neighbor needs to be questioned. Her story is a bit skeptical.

[Reply to this]
gap1
on June 16th, 2008 3:09 pm

This is a crime of passion. The extent of the injuries and the viciousness of it indicates, anger, lots of it. Sheliza knows this individual.

This is one with whom she was emotionally involved with or one who was emotionally involved with her. The police should start there.

[Reply to this]
Twinkle Toe
on June 16th, 2008 3:34 pm

This is a very sad case.

In the first instance, why was this child allowed to have her own way and stop going to school.

Secondly, she was only 15 years. Why was she allowed to go and live with a man in Berbice?

Was this poor parental control? I would think so.

My sympathy goes out to the family. This should have never happened. I hope the Police catch the criminal who did this to her. The neighbour should be interrogated on this matter.

[Reply to this]
Phenomenal_Guyanese_Tz
on June 16th, 2008 4:23 pm

Firstly, I would like to extend condolences to the family of the late Sheliza Khan.
I read both the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, and both stories differ, but in my judgement It is sad indeed at how a 15 year-old’s life came to a tragic demise, and I do hope that other people or children take this as an example and learn from it.
I myself would like to know what a 15 year-old was doing in a resturant in the company of men, she should have been at home.( According to Kaieteur News) The parent/s or guardian/s have a lot to be blamed, because when all is said and done she is still a minor.
What I am also appalled at, is why is a minor drinking beers…??
While some people are chary of their environs, others fall prey to it. I trust that the perpetrators of such a heinous act be brought to justice, and this doesn’t become another unsolved case to the list.
People, especially children should be more focused about educational horizons and making the best of their lives, a lot of the children in today’s society are living way too fast for their age.
I’m not here to be judgmental, but reflecting on my school days to now….TIMES have changed tremendously…

[Reply to this]
hally
on June 16th, 2008 4:50 pm

It’s so sad to see what happened to this young girl. It’s a pity to see that Guyana has not changed much. How much has to be shed before people say to themselves that I will not do this to someone because I don’t want someone to do that to me. You know what hurt me the most is that the mother let her 15 YEAR OLD daughter go and live with a man. Mom you should have known better.

[Reply to this]
Sanderson Rowe
on June 16th, 2008 5:33 pm

The monster or monsters who did these despicable acts to this child should be hunted down and no quarter given.

[Reply to this]
bvbocan
In reply to the above comment on June 16th, 2008 7:18 pm:
She can hardly be called a “child” when she was living with a man in Berbice

[Reply to this]
Sanderson Rowe
In reply to the above comment on June 16th, 2008 10:48 pm:
In the eyes of the law, she still is a child.

guy123
In reply to the above comment on June 17th, 2008 5:15 am:
bvbocan,that is not fair.
Sweettouch 618
on June 16th, 2008 8:54 pm

This young woman in her prime did not deserve to did like this. She was bothered by a married man, she was terrified of him, she reported the matter to the Mahaica police, nothing was done and now she is dead.
Perhaps proper policing could have saved the life of this young Guyanese.
What would it take to stop wanton Police Lethargy in my country which I am now afraid to visit with my children?
Sweettouch 618

[Reply to this]
Desilusionada
on June 16th, 2008 9:33 pm

This tragic incident reflects several combined failures. A misguided teenager out at night with a ‘neighbor/friend’ who failed miserably as an adult in charge of a minor entrusted to her care. Add a mother who, perhaps unthinkingly, devolved her responsibilities to an untrustworthy person. Further add an apathetic community that sanctions access to alcohol by minors (two beers!). Then throw in a group of idle, mobile, unsocialized, depraved, likely drug-crazed, objects posing as men, armed and aware that the GPF has little interest in and few resources for crime-solving (aren’t they busy beating the bush for Fineman & Co.?)….. Well, unfortunately for us all, this is the result.

[Reply to this]
guy123
In reply to the above comment on June 17th, 2008 5:22 am:
That’s right,mate,I agree with you there.

[Reply to this]
ms guyana
on June 17th, 2008 3:29 am

what is the Ministry of Human Services really doing in Guyana I wonder and Minister Priya Manikchand?
not saying they could’ve stopped this case, just want to know what is it that they are really doing in Guyana cause women are being murdered and brutalised with barely a word from these folks.

[Reply to this]
vending
on September 30th, 2008 11:12 am

I just read all comments here and its a shame to see us fellow Guyanese and other have the time out to sit and type all the positive response and what should and could and did and didn’t have to happen where this poor soul is concerned - yet non of you are willing to book a flight and go to Guyana as a group or an individual basis and stand up for the right of our people until then please everyone shut up….we care and concern so much but just like the government and rich business ppl we are also not willing to do anything.. We came abroad and gain salvation and teachings where right and wrong and self worth is concern but not doing anything about it.

[Reply to this]

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