Farmer murdered by brother-in-law during argument over motorcycle

A 27-year-old farmer, Assis Joel, of Maruranau Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine, was allegedly murdered by his brother-in-law during an argument over a motorcycle on Friday.

Police have since arrested two suspects — Hebrew Simon, 20, and his brother Eloyde Simon, 32, both farmers of the same village and brothers of the victim’s common-law wife, Judith Simon.

Investigations revealed that Joel lived with Judith and their three children, aged 7, 4, and 2, in a small wooden and concrete house. On the morning of September 26, the suspects had gone to their sister’s home to celebrate her youngest child’s second birthday. There, they and Joel consumed local wine (Kari) under a fruit tree about 70 feet from the house.

By 16:00 hrs, the wine was finished, and Judith escorted Joel home, asking her brothers to leave. However, the brothers later went to Joel’s home, requested to borrow his motorcycle, and, after being refused, began arguing with him. The quarrel escalated into a fight, during which one of the brothers allegedly stabbed Joel with a kitchen knife, breaking off the handle in the process. The suspects fled, leaving the weapon in front of the house.

At about 18:00 hrs, Eloyde was apprehended by Community Policing Group members and handed over to the police, while a separate team arrested Hebrew at his home. Both men later confessed to the crime during video and audio interviews.

A post-mortem examination is being arranged, after which legal advice will be sought. Investigations remain ongoing.