Gold miner shot dead in Cuyuni River altercation, security guard held

Ceton Courtman, a 32-year-old gold miner of St Monica Village, Upper Pomeroon River, died after being shot in the head during an alleged altercation with a security guard at Sands Backdam, Cuyuni River, on Monday.

Police said the incident occurred at about 11:50 hrs when Courtman and a 27-year-old security guard, employed with a private security service, were involved in an altercation during which the suspect allegedly discharged a firearm, striking the deceased in the head.

The injured man was transported to the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a medic on duty.

The body was examined, and a circular wound, suspected to be caused by a gunshot, was observed to the centre of the head.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and remains in police custody.

A Taurus .32 pistol, along with twelve matching live rounds of ammunition, was recovered and lodged pending further investigations.

Arrangements are being made to transport the body to Bartica and thereafter to Memorial Funeral Home, pending a post-mortem examination.