Front Road shooting victim succumbs

Twenty-five-year-old Wayne Jackson Wharton, who was shot on Wednesday evening while standing on the West Front Road, succumbed to his injuries hours after and the police have since arrested two suspects.

This was confirmed by acting Crime Chief Hugh Jessemy, who told Stabroek News that the men were arrested yesterday and are currently being questioned in relation to the crime.

The shooting occurred around 8pm on Wednesday. Wharton, of Lot 277 Onderneeming, Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was shot once to his back. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and died about 1.10am yesterday.

Wayne Jackson Wharton
Wayne Jackson Wharton

Stabroek News was told that the now dead man was standing on the West Front Road with some friends when he was approached by three men on motorcycles. He was shot and relieved of a gold chain he was wearing, after which the gunmen made good their escape by riding east.

Wharton’s mother, Michelle Leung, yesterday said she was told that the attack stemmed from an old grievance. However, she was unaware of the details surrounding the grievance and noted that Wharton never mentioned having any problems with anyone to her.

Leung explained that she was standing outside her house, which is located a short distance from where the shooting occurred when she heard the gunshot. She said, “Everything happen so quick, I didn’t even know was gunshot. Is ’til a lil girl from up the road run and come tell me my son get shot, then I know.”