Bandit who died in Queenstown robbery was shot several times – autopsy

Nigel Wellington
Nigel Wellington

Nigel Wellington, the bandit who died last Tuesday after robbing an arriving guest at a Queenstown hostel was shot several times.

Stabroek News was reliably informed that an autopsy was conducted last Friday by Government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh during which several pellets and cartridges were retrieved from Welling-ton’s  body.

The incident occurred around 4.30am in the compound of the El Sol Hostel, located along Crown Street, Queenstown.

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves yesterday told Stabroek News that the police have since wrapped up their probe and the case file was dispatched for legal advice which will determine the next step in the matter. The security guard who shot Wellington was also questioned as part of the probe.

This newspaper had learnt that the attack took place soon after the robbery victim, a 33-year-old chef, exited a taxi and was about to enter the hostel.

He had just arrived from an airport and the guard was awaiting him since he was expected to check in at the hostel.

The Guyana Police Force had said in a statement that after the chef exited the taxi, he was waiting for the security to open the door when he was attacked.

The bandit, the police added, demanded that the chef hand over his valuables. He refused and he was struck in his mouth before being relieved of his cellphone.

“At the same time, the door was opened and the bandit, who reportedly pointed his weapon at the armed security guard, was shot,” the police noted.

The chef’s stolen cell phone was recovered at the scene.

Investigators, the police had said, also retrieved an unlicensed pistol with a live round, which Wellington is suspected to have had in his possession.

Wellington is known to the police. In January last year, he was charged with three counts of armed robbery. He had denied the charges and was remanded to prison.

In May 2016, he was also charged with robbing a woman, from whom he also allegedly demanded sexual favours.