Suspect in Sophia labourer murder still at large

Up to yesterday afternoon, the police had not managed to apprehend the suspect in the murder of Sophia resident, Roy Beckles, who was killed on Monday during a cutlass battle.

Commander of ‘C’ Division Calvin Brutus told this newspaper yesterday afternoon that despite several searches the police were yet to locate the suspect, Troy Tasho.

The police on Tuesday issued a wanted bulletin for Tasho, 42, also known as “19”, whose last known addresses are ‘B’ Field Reserve, Sophia, and Back Circle, East Ruimveldt.

Beckles, 45, called “Fish Cake,” who was a father of three of ‘B’ Field Squatting Area, Sophia was attacked and injured to his right shoulder on Monday evening during an argument which reportedly stemmed from an old grievance.

Roy Beckles

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

A police press release had said investigations revealed that Beckles was on his way home when he observed his wife and the suspect arguing. “He intervened and the suspect, who was armed with a cutlass and knife, attacked and stabbed the victim to his right shoulder,” the release had said.

Stabroek News was previously told by witnesses that Beckles had just returned home from work and had parked his bicycle when he noticed his wife, Emily Hayles, and Tasho arguing in front of their house. As a result, he intervened and ended up in a heated argument with Tasho, who allegedly ran into his yard and armed himself with a cutlass and knife. Beckles also armed himself with a cutlass, which he had been carrying on his bicycle.

Troy Tasho

Beckles allegedly fired several chops at Tasho before his cutlass fell from his hand. He began to run and was reportedly chased by Tasho, who caught him and inflicted the fatal wound.

Beckles collapsed and was subsequently rushed to the hospital, while Tasho fled the scene.

Hayles had related to this newspaper that Tasho would frequently throw hints at her. The most recent instance, she said, was on Monday evening, shortly before the fatal confrontation.

She had further related that some three months ago, Tasho and Beckles had worked together to build a roof and her husband had not been paid for his labour. Since then, things had been sour between them, she said.

“The roof did cost $100,000 and is only the other day he [Beckles] get 10 grand, so yesterday [Monday] he [Beckles] use the word and say that they done rob he and right there everything start between them,” she explained. “This thing going on long not now…,” she added.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Tasho is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 229-2289, 229-2019, 222-2232, 229—2655, 225-6411, 225-8196, 225-2227, 225-0575, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence, police said.