Mother, two daughters die in suspected Bartica arson/murder

Carolina Kennedy
Carolina Kennedy

The Police say they are investigating an arson and murder at #4 miles squatting Area, Bartica, where a  dwelling  was set on fire and a woman and two of her children were burnt to death.

A suspect who is the husband of the woman and father of the children has been arrested and was escorted to seek medical attention.

Dead are Carolina Kennedy, 48, and her two daughters, Marianna Downer, 5 and Gabriella Kennedy, 3.

The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Kenford Downer called ‘Tallman’, 36, the police say.

The incident occurred around 10.30 pm yesterday.

The suspect fled the scene after committing the act.

However, the police acting on information received conducted a search in nearby bushes situated close to the house where he was arrested.

He sustained minor burns to his feet and was escorted to the Bartica Hospital where he was admitted for treatment under police guard.

The suspect reportedly related to the police that he arrived home and overheard Carolina speaking to a man who he suspected she was having an affair with.

As a result, he became angry, proceeded to the back of the house where he doused the house with gasoline and set it alight.

Reports are that ranks on duty at Bartica police station received a call informing them of the fire.

As a result, the police and the Guyana Fire Service responded.

The charred remains of the Carolina and her two children were subsequently discovered in the house.