Autopsies performed on the bodies of Ian and Rakesh Matthias, the two brothers whose bullet-riddled bodies were found on Shell Beach, in Region One on Thursday, have confirmed that they both died from multiple gunshot wounds and investigators believe they were tortured prior to being killed.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that the autopsies were conducted yesterday by government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, who indicated that the gunshot injuries were inflicted with high-powered weapon/s.
Ian’s right leg and one of his hands were also severed as he was chopped in addition to being shot.
This newspaper was told that investigators have concluded that the men were tortured although the motive for the crime remains unclear.
The fibreglass boat in which they had been travelling was also said to have been missing.
The men are believed to have been killed around 2 pm on Wednesday at an isolated area, called “Fathers Beach,” just off the Waini Coast of Region One.
Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum had previously told Stabroek News that residents heard gunshots.
Blanhum had said that the “rapid gunfire” lasted for approximately 30 minutes. The brothers had been fishing in their vessel in the area.
After the gunshots ceased, their father, who was aware that the men were fishing in the area at the time, raised an alarm and went in search of them but without success.
Blanhum noted that the police were subsequently contacted and they responded with the assistance of the Coast Guard and conducted searches but there was no sighting of the men or the vessel.
Persons who reside in the area, discovered both bodies lying on the foreshore on Thursday morning.
There have been similar types of murders in this area over the years.
In March, 2009, two Pomeroon men were found murdered at Shell Beach. Romeo De Agrella, 41, and his 20-year-old son Clint De Agrella of Grant Strong, Lower Pomeroon, Essequibo were both found shot to death.
