HGP NIGHTLY NEWS | GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — A major breakthrough in a cold case has emerged following a daylight heist in Lodge. Police investigators have confirmed that a prime suspect arrested for Saturday’s armed robbery on Chappel Street is the same gunman responsible for the execution-style murder of 27-year-old taxi driver Xavier Fraser.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Hoesela Harris of ‘E’ Field, Sophia, is now facing a double legal onslaught as detectives tie him to the violent December 2025 slaying.
The Breakthrough: From Robbery to Murder
Harris was apprehended following a high-intensity police operation triggered by a brazen robbery in Lodge. Investigators utilized the Smart City surveillance system to track a black Toyota Auris used in the crime, eventually intercepting the vehicle along Eping Avenue, Bel Air.
• The Confrontation: During the arrest, Harris allegedly pulled a firearm on police ranks. An officer returned fire, striking Harris in the thigh.
• The Link: While Harris was hospitalized under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), forensic evidence and witness statements began to align, positively identifying him as the shooter in the Fraser case.
Flashback: The Killing of Xavier Fraser
The murder of Xavier Fraser on December 21, 2025, sent shockwaves through the Sophia community.
• The Incident: Fraser was lured to Plum Park, Sophia, where he was shot dead. A post-mortem later confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
• Collateral Damage: A 19-year-old man who was with Fraser at the time was also shot and injured during the encounter but survived to provide critical details to investigators.
Legal Escalation
Now discharged from the hospital, Harris has been moved into strict police custody as the case file is finalized.
• Multiple Charges: Harris is expected to be formally charged with Murder in connection to Xavier Fraser’s death in the coming days.
• Robbery & Firearm Charges: He will also face separate charges for the Chappel Street armed robbery and possession of an illegal firearm used during the confrontation with police.
The “Smart City” Advantage
National security officials are touting this arrest as a victory for Guyana’s integrated electronic surveillance network. The ability to track the suspect’s getaway vehicle in real-time was the catalyst that led to the capture of a man police now describe as a high-stakes “executioner.”
HGP Nightly News will bring you live updates from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court when Harris makes his first appearance.
