Backdam confrontation leaves young miner dead

Miner Fitrawle McLeannon, known as “Cripple,” was allegedly stabbed to death during a confrontation at Blue Mountain Backdam, Region Seven late Saturday, police said on Sunday.

McLeannon, 28, of Meten-Meer-Zorg, East Bank Essequibo, sustained three stab wounds to the abdomen, hip and back. His body also bore tattoos on the right shoulder and left hand.

Police arrested 24-year-old suspect Shamer Tobin, called “Shortman,” a gold miner of Moruka, North West District, during a cordon-and-search operation at Marawah Backdam.

Investigators said McLeannon and Tobin, both employees of dredge owner Frankie Wessel, had been drinking at a nearby camp before the killing. A worker later heard a scream and saw McLeannon bleeding while Tobin walked away.

Police recovered a black rubber slipper near the body and a small pink-handled pair of scissors on the trail. Blood samples, swabs and photographs were taken, and the scene was video recorded.

It is alleged that McLeannon slapped Tobin three times before the suspect retaliated. Another miner told police Tobin confessed to stabbing a “one-hand man” and leaving him on the ground.

In a video-recorded interview, Tobin admitted: “Me and the man was drinking, and I was high, and de man box me, and I bore him about three times. Afterward, I went back to camp and put on my long boots, and I roll out.”

The suspect remains in custody assisting with the investigation.