The trio held by the police on Saturday after they were found outside the Middle and Thomas streets, Cummingsburg building where miner Henry Johanison was shot and killed during an alleged robbery attempt has since been released from custody.
This is according to Crime Chief Lyndon Alves, who told Stabroek News yesterday that the men were released on station bail sometime between Tuesday evening and early yesterday morning.
While Alves declined to divulge any other information regarding the probe, he said further investigations will be conducted in the matter.
This newspaper understands that the men were released after their maximum 72-hours detention period expired since there was insufficient evidence linking them to any crime.
Johanison, 25, was fatally shot around 12.10 pm on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to rob the owner of Kay’s Diamond Enterprise, which is located at Lot 288 Middle & Thomas streets, Cummingsburg, George-town.
He reportedly sustained three gunshot wounds to the upper body in the shooting.
A 9 mm pistol and several rounds were allegedly found in his possession.
The three men, who were believed to have accompanied Johanison to the scene, were in a car, HC 9457, parked outside of the business at the time of the shooting.
They were taken into custody and the car was also impounded after police were notified about the fatal shooting.
The dealer, who is licensed to trade diamonds and is also a licensed firearm holder, was detained for questioning and subsequently released.
A police source had previously told this newspaper that the businessman related to investigators that he was in his office when he received a call from Johanison, who informed him that he was interested in selling some diamonds.
Johanison and the businessman are said to have known each other. Johanison later journeyed to the business, where they spoke. Johanison at some point reportedly requested to use the washroom and upon returning he is said to have held the businessman at gunpoint and ordered him not to move.
However, the businessman, who was sitting at his desk, drew his handgun and discharged several rounds in the direction of Johanison, hitting him.
The police were subsequently alerted.
The business is guarded by a private security firm. However, this newspaper understands that at the time of the incident no security guard was on duty. The building is also monitored by surveillance cameras.
