Murder Investigation Launched Into Death of 29-Year-Old Construction Worker in Foulis.
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News
HGP Nightly News – Police have detained a security officer attached to the Force Security Service in connection with the shooting death of 29-year-old Ronda Clark, a construction worker from Foulis, East Coast Demerara.
The fatal shooting, which occurred Sunday evening between 7:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., has sparked public outcry and conflicting accounts from law enforcement and the victim’s family.
According to the police, Clark was shot and killed by the security guard. However, CCTV footage obtained from a nearby business appears to show police ranks giving chase to Clark, who was riding a motorcycle through the community.
“The police were chasing behind him and as they were chasing, they were shooting,” said Sharifa Clark, the victim’s sister, who pointed to video evidence from a Chinese supermarket camera as proof.
Despite this footage, the police’s initial public statement did not mention a pursuit, nor did it explain why Clark was being chased or whether he was a wanted man.
The family, skeptical of the official version, says there is more to the story.
“At one time you’re hearing they weren’t chasing him. Then you’re hearing they were. And out of nowhere a security guard shoots someone the police were chasing? Make it make sense,” said a visibly emotional Sharifa Clark, suggesting an attempted cover-up.
The family also claimed that when they visited multiple police stations on Sunday night, no formal report of the incident had been logged.
Clark’s brother-in-law, Amiel Garnett, says the police narrative doesn’t add up.
“The security guard doesn’t know anything about his death. The police force should do the right thing and investigate thoroughly and not cover up this matter—they’ll only make themselves look worse,” Garnett said.
The Guyana Police Force has since announced that the Major Crimes Unit will take over the probe. Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalil Pareshram confirmed the development, stating that specialist ranks from Georgetown will assist in the investigation.
“We are reviewing all footage, and a thorough investigation is being conducted,” Pareshram assured.
The security guard, whose name has not been officially released, has been arrested and his firearm seized. Clark was reportedly shot in the abdomen and died while receiving medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
The police have officially launched a murder investigation into the incident.
