Police advised to charge suspect in murder of Bartica man

Dead: Antonio Dos Santos
Dead: Antonio Dos Santos

Police have been advised to charge the suspect who is accused of fatally shooting 21-year-old Antonio Dos Santos on Monday morning in front of a nightspot in Bartica.

Commander of ‘F’ Division Kevin Adonis told Stabroek News that investigators have obtained legal advice to charge Marlon Jacobs, a 29-year-old carpenter of First Avenue, Bartica with murder.

Jacobs’ mother had turned him into the Bartica police station, hours after the incident. He is expected to appear in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Dos Santos called ‘Lil Boy’ of Lot 22 Second Avenue, Bartica was shot twice in his chest during the attack which had occurred around 2.15 am outside a popular night spot known as “Top Notch Bar”.

He taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was treated and subsequently referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). He succumbed around 7am at the Bartica Airstrip, whilst waiting to be transported to the city. An autopsy yesterday revealed that Dos Santos died as a result of gunshot injuries.

Adonis had previously related to Stabroek News that police were about to close the bar, since the curfew had passed, when they heard the sound of gunshots. He said persons began to scatter and they noticed Dos Santos clutching his abdomen. Adonis said Antonio was transported to the hospital by the police. On the way, he identified the suspect by name.

Police in a statement had said that Dos Santos was imbibing at the bar when he was approached and shot by the suspect, who hurriedly fled the scene.

Adelena Dos Santos, the dead man’s eldest sister had related to this newspaper that the family believes that the incident stemmed from a years-old feud which her brother and the suspect had.

Adelena explained that about three years ago, Antonio and the suspect had an argument over a “joint”. This, she said, led to two separate fights between the duo. In the first,

Adelena alleged that  her brother was attacked and injured by the suspect. She further related that she believes that the act was premeditated since about a year ago, Antonio “beat up back” the suspect.