Second suspect held in West Ruimveldt murder

A second suspect was yesterday arrested for questioning in connection with the murder of West Ruimveldt resident Paul Rodney, and the High Court also granted the police an extension to further detain the first suspect.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum who told Stabroek News that the initial detention period for the first suspect had expired and as such the police applied for an extension of custodial time. 

He said the second suspect was arrested at his home in South Ruimveldt.

Paul Rodney
Paul Rodney

When the first suspect was arrested he had been self-treating a gunshot wound he sustained to his leg and the police had also detained a female staffer of a city pharmacy who allegedly provided him with antibiotics. But she has since been released.

Rodney, 31, of Lot 530 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown was gunned down on the morning of November 21, while he was returning home from a dance held in his community.

He was shot seven times about his body including once to his chest and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died 30 minutes later while receiving medical attention.

Several spent shells from a small-calibre weapon were discovered at the scene.

The police in a statement had said that investigations into the incident revealed that police ranks on a mobile patrol heard several explosions and went to investigate. They saw a group of men running, during which several more gunshots were fired; Rodney was seen lying motionless covered in blood.

This newspaper was told that Rodney was shot after he and the suspects were involved in an argument at a dance held at Avocado Avenue, West Ruimveldt which later led to an altercation. He reportedly attempted to escape, but was pursued and shot. His assailants reportedly made good their escape on a CG motorcycle.