Suspect in fatal stabbing of ex-soldier remains hospitalised

Edward Beveney
Edward Beveney

The man who allegedly stabbed ex-soldier Edward Beveney to death on Independence Day during a clash over a bicycle in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) remains hospitalised in a stable condition.

Contacted for an update yesterday, Commander of ‘C’ Division Edmond Cooper told Stabroek News that the police are currently compiling a file which will be sent to the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice on the way forward in the matter.

In the meantime, Cooper said the suspect; a 35-year-old resident of Two Friends Village, ECD, remains hospitalised under police guard. He is nursing a wound to his chest and a chop wound to his left arm, which he sustained during the attack.

Beveney, called ‘Akim’ and ‘Buddha,’ 23, a miner of Lot 115 Ogle Street Triumph, ECD was stabbed several times about his body including his chest and left eye on Saturday. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

Stabroek News had previously reported that the incident unfolded around 8am on Saturday when Beveney confronted his assailant with a cutlass.

Source had told this newspaper that the two men were known to each other since they worked together in the interior several years ago. They also previously fought over the sale of narcotics.

Reports had indicated that Beveney’s assailant, who reportedly left his home three months ago, has been staying with a friend in Beterverwagting. He is said to have left his friend’s home on Saturday morning in order to visit a nearby shop to collect cash.

Upon arrival at the shop, he parked his bicycle and then went inside to collect the money. However, when he exited, he noticed his bicycle was missing. Upon enquiring, he learnt that Beveney had taken it.

The man eventually got the bicycle back from another individual, after which he proceeded to leave. However, he was then reportedly confronted by Beveney, who was armed with a cutlass and a knife.

Beveney allegedly fired a chop, which the man barred with his left hand. In retaliation, he then allegedly whipped out a ‘jukker’ from his waist and dealt Beveney several stabs about his body.

Both men fell on the ground but Beveney managed to get up and jumped into a nearby trench.

The police were summoned and both men were taken to the hospital. The ‘jukker’ was recovered at the crime scene.