A Cuyuni miner was allegedly murdered after an altercation with another miner over missing gold and police have since arrested one man and are searching for a second.
Phillip Cort, 55, of Arimu Falls Top Landing, Cuyuni, and formerly of 32 Queen Street, Courtland, Corentyne, Berbice, was found in his tent with multiple marks of violence on Monday morning, police said in a statement yesterday.
It was noted that around 3 pm on Sunday Cort had an altercation with another miner, who is being treated as the prime suspect in his death.
The police said during the encounter, which stemmed from “some missing raw gold,” Cort was allegedly beaten by the suspect of Wismar Hill, Linden, and subsequently died.
After police were alerted, Cort’s body was brought out and taken to the Bartica Public Hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead on arrival.
His body is currently at the Bartica Hospital Mortuary awaiting an autopsy.
When Stabroek News contacted Cort’s family, a sister, Beverly Cort, explained that on Sunday night, around 12, a niece informed them of the tragedy. “When she called, my brother talk to her and she tell he somebody call and say [Phillip] got murder,” she said. “Right now we are trying to find out what is happening but we don’t know,” she added.
Beverley noted that her brother lived in the interior for a number of years and she last spoke with him five years ago. Another sister, Desiree, said three years ago she saw him when he visited briefly.
The family members said they are seeking clarity on the events that transpired before the man’s death.
