Two still in custody as cops continue hunt for main suspect in Bartica miner’s murder

Dead: Perion Nicholas Bobb
Dead: Perion Nicholas Bobb

The two suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder of Bartica resident Perion Nicholas Bobb remain in custody as the police continue their hunt for the alleged mastermind of the crime.

This is according to Commander of ‘F’ Divi-sion Kevin Adonis, who told Sunday Stabroek yesterday that investigators are working towards wrapping up the investigation.

Once this is completed, Adonis said, the police will seek legal advice and the necessary actions will be taken. “The police are still doing some more work…. once we receive legal advice we will take the necessary actions,” he said.

This newspaper had previously reported that Bobb was killed after he was confronted by a group of men in the wake of making a report to the police that persons were stripping a vehicle.

His co-worker, Emmanuel Jeffrey, 60, a miner of Kuribrong and of Good Hope Village, East Coast Demerara, was reportedly abducted by the men afterward.

The murder occurred around 5.30 pm last Sunday while Bobb was transporting dredging equipment from Kuribrong Trail to Kuribrong Back-dam for Jeffrey. Bobb was shot once in his stomach. His body was later found slumped over the steering wheel of the pick-up he was driving.

An autopsy later revealed that he died as a result of gunshot injuries to the chest.

Sunday Stabroek understands that Jeffrey is among the two persons in custody since he reportedly provided investigators with conflicting reports.

Last Tuesday, Adonis had related to this newspaper that a team of ranks returned to the crime scene for a second visit. They were accompanied by both of the suspects, who had provided the police with conflicting information, Adonis said.

It is suspected that Bobb was shot because he reported that another miner’s vehicle was being stripped for parts. He reported what he had witnessed to both the police and the owner of the vehicle.

Jeffrey had stated that while he and Bobb were proceeding along the trail, he observed a truck proceeding in the opposite direction at a slow rate. As a result, he said, Bobb stopped his pick-up for the truck to pass. The truck was some distance away and Jeffrey told the police he heard two explosions, after which he jumped out of the pick-up and lay face down on the ground.

Shortly after, Jeffrey noted that he was ordered to jump into the truck. Fearful, he said he complied and entered the tray of the truck, where he saw about eight men, who ordered him to lay face down.

About 15 minutes into the journey, Jeffrey said, he managed to jump off the truck and made good his escape. He walked back to the scene, where he discovered that Bobb had died.

A wanted bulletin is expected to be issued soon for the alleged mastermind.