Extension granted for detention of Farm murder suspect

Police have been granted an extension to further detain the suspect in the murder of Andrew Drakes, who was chopped to death Saturday last.

Drakes, a mason of Lot 7 Pump Station Street, Farm, East Bank Essequibo, was accused of assaulting the suspect on Friday, June 7, 2019 at about 8:30 pm at his home. The next day, at about 5:30 pm, the suspect saw Drakes sitting on a bench in front of his yard. According to the police statement, he then armed himself with a cutlass and inflicted multiple wounds on Drakes and fled the scene.

The police said that Drakes was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. The body is presently at Ezekiel’s Funeral Home.

Police Commander of ‘C’ Division, Edmond Cooper, yesterday told Stabroek News that apart from investigators being granted an extension to detain the suspect, they have sent the case file for legal advice. He also stated that they are awaiting the results from the autopsy, which is scheduled for today.

The commander further stated that they are likely to institute charges against the suspect on Thursday after receiving legal advice.

During the attack, police said an off-duty female Detective Corporal who was passing at the time stopped and with the assistance of residents, pursued, disarmed and apprehended the suspect. An injury was seen to the back of the suspect’s head, which the police said he claimed he sustained whilst being apprehended.