Three dead, one critical in suspected murder-suicide

Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide and attempted murder that claimed the lives of three members of the LaCruz family and left another critically injured on Wednesday night at Ideal Road, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

According to a police report, the incident, occurred at approximately 21:10 hrs.

The deceased have been identified as:

– Maline LaCruz, 25, who sustained multiple injuries to her back, breast, and throat.

– Waveney LaCruz, 50, who received suspected gunshot wounds to the head, breast, and right hand.

– SueAnn LaCruz, 16, who was shot in the breast and lower back.

Maline’s brother, Seon LaCruz, 23, is currently in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after sustaining suspected gunshot wounds to his shoulder and jaw.

The alleged perpetrator has been identified as Parmanand Ramdehol, reputed husband of Maline LaCruz. The couple shared two young sons, aged 3 and 4, and Maline also had an 8-year-old son from a previous relationship. Waveney LaCruz was the mother of Maline, SueAnn, and Seon.

According to a resident of Ideal Road, earlier in the day she accompanied Maline, SueAnn, and the children to a nearby creek. While returning to Soesdyke Junction, Ramdehol reportedly arrived on a motorcycle and later followed them to the LaCruz home.

Once there, the resident said she saw Ramdehol enter the house, where an argument soon broke out between him and Maline. Moments later, she heard several loud explosions, believed to be gunshots, and fled the house with the children.

Police from the Timehri station responded promptly. Upon arrival, they discovered Ramdehol lying near the front door of the home’s sitting area, next to a 9mm APX Beretta pistol (serial number A007242X).

The firearm contained five live rounds in the magazine and one in the breach. A small uncorked bottle emitting a noxious odor was also recovered next to the body. Authorities have not confirmed whether Ramdehol was licensed to carry a firearm.

Both Seon LaCruz and Ramdehol were transported to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Ramdehol was pronounced dead on arrival, while Seon was later transferred to GPHC for emergency surgery.

Maline, Waveney, and SueAnn LaCruz were also taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where they were all pronounced dead. Their bodies were transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, pending post-mortem examinations.

Crime scene investigators recovered seven 9mm spent shells, two warheads, and four metal fragments from the scene. All items, including the firearm and ammunition, were lodged at the Timehri Police Station.

The residence remains cordoned off and under police guard as investigations continue.

Authorities confirmed that Ramdehol had a history of violence involving Maline. On January 9, 2025, he was arrested and charged for wounding and making threats against her. He was initially remanded but later released on bail.

Coincidentally, the case was scheduled in court earlier on the same day the fatal shooting occurred—April 23, 2025.

The investigation remains active.

Parmanand Ramdehol aka Ramzan Ramdial