Suspect in Toney’s murder surrenders

Nearly five months after the stabbing death of Colene Toney in Corentyne, Berbice, the man accused of the crime has turned himself in to police.
Nicholas Johnson, known as “Suga”, a 25-year-old labourer of No. 51 Village, Corentyne, accompanied by his attorney Mr C. Sohan, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday morning.
He was handed over to Detective Corporal George at the Springlands Police Station Criminal Investigation Department, where he was arrested and remains in custody pending formal murder charges.
The fatal incident unfolded on the night of 20 February 2024. Reports indicate that around 11:00 pm, Toney, 31, also a labourer of No. 53 Village, and Johnson became embroiled in a heated dispute over a mobile phone. Witness Patrina Jandoo, known locally as “Bucky”, told investigators she saw the men arguing at a street corner where she was vending. Toney had reportedly given Johnson the phone with an agreement to be paid later, sparking the confrontation.
According to Jandoo’s statement, Toney walked away and returned home but was soon followed by Johnson on his motorcycle. Minutes later, Johnson returned to the street, and the argument resumed. Jandoo recalled that as Toney backed away, visibility was poor, but shortly after Johnson sped off, she saw Toney collapse, bleeding heavily. She immediately raised an alarm, calling neighbours for help.
Delroy Watts, a resident who lives nearby, said he responded after hearing Jandoo shout, “Aunty Clair, Colene get bore!” Watts found Toney conscious but suffering from stab wounds to his chest and arm. He rushed Toney to the Skeldon Public Hospital in his car.
While en route to the hospital, Toney reportedly named his alleged attacker, telling Watts, “Look wa Suga bore me bai.” At the hospital, in the presence of medical personnel, he again claimed Johnson stabbed him. Despite emergency treatment, Toney died from his injuries around 1:20 am on 21 February.
Police launched an immediate manhunt for Johnson, searching his home and his brother’s residence nearby but were unable to locate him at the time. Investigators processed the crime scene and interviewed several villagers but were unable to retrieve any CCTV footage from the area.
With Johnson now in custody, the police say their investigation will move to the next stage, with charges expected soon. His surrender has brought some relief to residents of No. 53 Village, many of whom had feared the suspect had fled the region entirely.