Autopsy finds Essequibo woman was sexually assaulted, strangled

Nazarene Haniff, the businesswoman who was discovered dead in her Essequibo home last Friday following a suspected robbery, was sexually assaulted and strangled to death, an autopsy confirmed.

Commander of ‘G’ Division, Khali Pareshram, confirmed the findings of the autopsy, which was conducted yesterday afternoon.

Haniff, 52, called “Aunty Molly,” who owned and operated a shop, was discovered dead in her 347 Red Village Extension Scheme, Onderneeming, Essequibo home around 1.15 pm. There were visible injuries to her face and body. Haniff’s house was also ransacked.

It was initially suspected that Haniff was sexually assaulted during the attack, since at the time of the discovery, her underwear was pulled to her knees.

Pareshram said the police are continuing their search for the suspect, a 37-year-old resident of the area, who a reliable source had previously told this newspaper reportedly owed Haniff a quantity of cash.

A man was previously held for questioning in relation to the woman’s murder but was subsequently released.