Bodies of two missing West Coast Berbice youths discovered

A orotest at the bridge between Number 4 and Number 5 village over the killings last night.
A orotest at the bridge between Number 4 and Number 5 village over the killings last night.

The bodies of two missing West Coast Berbice youths were this afternoon discovered at Cotton Tree Village.

Dead are Joel Henry, 19, and Isaiah Henry, 16, both of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice. 

Protests erupted in the area last evening over the killings.

According to information gathered, the two lads were reported missing since last evening after leaving home to head to the Cotton Tree backlands.

Relatives today carried out numerous searches and it was only around 5 pm that the bodies were discovered.

Police sources have indicated that the both bodies have marks of violence.

Statement of The Hon. Joseph Harmon, Leader of the Opposition on the heinous killing of two teenagers in Cotton Tree

I am sickened and horrified by the gruesome killing of two young boys – cousins, Joel Henry (19 years old) and Isaiah Henry (16 years old) – whose bodies were today found in the village of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.

Today marks another horrific and tragic day in our beloved country with two boys senselessly cut down in the prime of their youth.

I, on my own behalf, and on behalf of the APNU+AFC Coalition and all Guyanese, extend deepest condolences to their parents, siblings and relatives who have been thrown into a state of shock and mourning.

The APNU+AFC Coalition calls for an immediate, full and thorough police investigation into this heinous crime and the apprehension of the killers without any delay. We commit to doing everything necessary to ensure that justice is served in this matter to the fullest extent of the law.

We recognize and understand the pain, anger and anguish the relatives and villagers of No. 3 Village (where the boys are from) are experiencing at this time. I call on them to remain vigilant but to allow the police to conduct their investigation in a timely manner.

I shall endeavour to visit with the relatives to extend condolences and offer support in person during the course of the day tomorrow, Monday.

Finally, in my capacity as Leader of the Opposition, on Thursday last, I formally wrote to the Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie seeking a meeting at his earliest convenience on or before Monday, September 7th. I was most disappointed with the Commissioner’s response, that he is busy and is not available to meet until Friday, September 11th. This is most regrettable and unfortunate and moreso in light of this heinous crime.