Wounded suspect under heavy police guard

A man who police suspect is a member of the gang that shot and killed Enterprise businessman Lakeram McKenzie on Tuesday night is nursing gunshot wounds under tight security at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The man was discovered around 10:00hrs yesterday near the seawall aback of the businessman's yard with his skin covered with blood from visible gunshot wounds.

It is believed that he was shot by a member of the community who opened fire on the bandits while they were robbing the businessman.

A resident of the community told this newspaper that after word spread that bandits were attacking McKenzie, a public-spirited person who is a licensed firearm holder rendered assistance with his shotgun.

The resident said the man discharged several rounds at one of the bandits who was standing guard at McKenzie's gate.

“He seh when he hit he, de bandit turn around and run,” the resident told this newspaper.

A huge hole in the western wall of McKenzie's house and a spent cartridge were evidence that the bandits came under fire.

It is believed that the wounded bandit fled to the back of a neighbour's yard where he remained, unable to move, until daybreak.

A police source said the man was desperately trying to conceal himself when he was observed by residents who alerted the police to his presence. In addition, the suspect's brother was held for questioning and released.

McKenzie called `Rambo', 45, died at the Georgetown Hospital around 21:00hrs on Tuesday, two hours after he was riddled with bullets by gunmen.

According to a police press release, investigations have so far revealed that the deceased, his wife and their children were in their home when they were confronted by six armed men, four of whom were masked.

All of the occupants in the home were placed to lie on the floor after which the suspects robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery.

Kaieteur News understands that the men escaped with $2M from a suitcase and another $80,000 from a bag along with a large amount of gold and diamond jewellery.

McKenzie was then taken outside and shortly after, gunshots were heard.

The businessman was subsequently discovered wounded and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed to the injuries.

This newspaper understands that the men attempted to kidnap the businessman after their demands for more cash and jewellery were not met.

There are reports that neighbours saw the men jumping into McKenzie's yard and tried to warn him, but by then the men had already entered the house through a door that was left open.

Police said that at the scene, investigators retrieved eight 7.62x39 spent shells, one live 7.62x39 round, all of which are used by the famous AK-47 assault rifle, and one magazine for a Beretta.

This newspaper also understands that the police also seized a 357 Magnum revolver and three live rounds from a man who is said to be employed by the businessman to look after his breed of pit bulls.

The man claimed that he had found the weapon which he believed had belonged to his employer.

The man, along with another employee, has been detained.

Detectives, combing an area behind the businessman's yard, found bloodstained clothing and a pair of boots which they believe belonged to one of the bandits.

Motorcar PFF 2930 belonging to the deceased was discovered in the yard with the rear windscreen damaged.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that detectives removed several items of interests from the businessman's home.

Tests are being carried out on one of the items to determine what it is.

Investigations are continuing.