Berbice woman arrested after allegedly strangling sister, confronting brothers with knife

Police in Region Five are investigating the death of 72-year-old Barbara Crawford, a pensioner of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, who was allegedly murdered by her sister on Thursday evening at Plantation Ross, West Coast Berbice.

According to reports, Crawford had been staying at the home since September 12 after attending the funeral of a brother. She was found motionless in a chair around 20:00 hrs.

Investigators said that at about 19:45 hrs, Crawford was heard shouting. Her brother, Roy Walters, who resides in the lower flat of the house, went to check but discovered the doors were locked. He then sought the assistance of another brother, Lester Walters, and together they broke open the back door to gain entry.

Once inside, the men were confronted by their 55-year-old sister, the alleged suspect, who reportedly armed herself with a knife and rushed towards them. They managed to disarm and restrain her before discovering Crawford unresponsive in the hall area.

The incident was immediately reported to the Police. Ranks from Fort Wellington responded and arrested the suspect, who remained silent during questioning. She was placed in custody. Police have since confirmed that the woman is a patient of a mental health clinic in Canje, Berbice.

The body of Barbara Crawford was transported to Bailey’s Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.

Meanwhile, the suspect’s daughter reportedly told investigators that she had spoken to her mother by phone earlier, during which the woman allegedly confessed, saying, “I just strangle Barbara and kill she.”

Investigations are ongoing.