D Silva’s body is still at the Lethem Hospital Mortuary and Persaud told Stabroek News yesterday that it is unclear when a post-mortem examination would be conducted. He said so far no suspects have been identified and the man’s relatives are assisting the police with the investigation. Persaud said while investigators have not been able to arrive at a possible motive, a background check may be useful.
Police have so far revealed that Da Silva left his home in Brazil some time after 3 am on Christmas Day and hours later he was found dead in Guyana (near the Takutu Bridge which separates the two countries). Asked about assistance being sought from the police in Brazil, the Crime Chief said that he was not aware of any request being made.
Meanwhile, yesterday residents of Lethem were still shocked over the slaying of the man, who was a regular visitor to the community.
A resident told Stabroek News yesterday that prior to his death, Da Silva, who had lived in Moco Moco (a small village 14 miles from Lethem) up to about 10 years ago, was working in a store. He had migrated to Bon Fim, Brazil with his mother and had been living there since. The resident described the dead man as an abuser of drugs and someone who loved to party at a popular hangout spot in the area.
Stabroek News was also told that the man was last seen in the company of about six men heading towards the Takutu Bridge, apparently on his way to Brazil.
There is suspicion that the group of men attacked Da Silva and stabbed him to death.
Someone else may also have been injured as there was a trail of blood across the bridge.
Police initially said Da Silva was discovered around 7:30 am on Christmas Day and that a trail of blood was observed leading from the murder scene onto the Takutu Bridge.
