Miner found murdered at Baramani Backdam, two suspects in custody

A miner, identified only as Riley, was found brutally murdered near a mining camp in the remote Baramani Backdam, Cuyuni River, early Saturday morning.

According to police, the gruesome discovery was made sometime between 00:30 hrs and 02:00 hrs on June 28, 2025. Riley’s lifeless body was found naked and bearing multiple stab wounds.

A police team responded swiftly and launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of two suspects later that same day. The suspects have been identified as 21-year-old Rovel Santiago of Khan Hill, Mabaruma, and 20-year-old Shawn Williams of Kuru Kururu Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway — both of Amerindian descent.

During questioning at the mining camp, the duo reportedly admitted to being involved in the killing and subsequently led investigators to the crime scene. There, police recovered key pieces of evidence, including two knives believed to be the murder weapons, as well as blood-stained clothing belonging to the victim.

The body has since been transported for a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.

Police said witness statements have been taken and that both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues under the direction of ranks from the Bartica Police Station.