Fifth suspect held in Good Hope farmers murder probe
As the police work towards wrapping up their investigation into the eightmonth-old murders of Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo farmers, Mohamed and Jamilla Munir, who were burnt to death in their home, a fifth suspect was on Sunday detained for questioning.
Stabroek News understands that the man who was said to be a neighbour of the dead couple and was only identified as “Plang” was arrested for questioning in connection to the crime.
Ranks from the Guyana Police Force Major Crimes Unit made a breakthrough in the matter last week following the arrest of Jason Howard.
He was arrested last Wednesday afternoon after a high-speed chase by the police, following the attack and robbery of Tower Suites Accountant Baldeo Seegobin. Two men had grabbed $2.9 million from Seegobin right after he returned from Republic Bank on Water Street. Howard was said to be the alleged mastermind and has since admitted his involvement in the crime.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum previously told Stabroek News that following Howard’s arrest the police were tipped off that he along with the others planned and executed the crime committed against the Munirs.
During interrogation, he reportedly implicated four other suspects including “Plang”. The three other suspects were identified as Samsudeen Mohamed, Gavin Shepherd called “Pepsi” or “Deportee” and Joel Blair.
Mohamed Munir, 75, and his wife, Jamilla Munir, 70, who were well known rice farmers, were burnt to death in their Good Hope home on the evening of April 17, when bandits broke in and subsequently started a fire, after the couple barricaded themselves in their bedroom.
During the active probe, investigators had worked on a number of theories and a handyman who had worked with the Munirs was among several persons arrested. Those suspects were questioned but were later released.
The motive for the crime was robbery, since the suspects reportedly heard that the Munirs had $20 million hidden in their house. The men planned and executed the crime to get the cash but failed and decided to set the house on fire.