WEST COAST BERBICE – Detectives are investigating a shocking incident of murder that has exposed the devastating reality of mental health in Guyana, after a 72-year-old pensioner was allegedly killed by her 55-year-old sister in a home on the West Coast Berbice.
The victim, Barbara Crawford, was staying at the Plantation Ross residence, where the tragedy unfolded late last night (Thursday) around 8:00 PM. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim, who traveled from her Amelia’s Ward home in Linden to attend a brother’s funeral on September 12, was heard shouting just before 7:45 PM.
The victim and suspect were staying in the upper flat of the home. The horrific scene was discovered by two of the women’s brothers, Roy Walters and Lester Walters, who live in the bottom flat. Finding the doors locked, the men were forced to break open the back door. Upon gaining entry, they were immediately confronted by their sister, the 55-year-old suspect, who lunged at them with a knife.
The brothers managed to bravely disarm and subdue her.They then found Barbara Crawford “motionless” in a chair in the hall area. Police were immediately called to the scene and arrested the suspect, who reportedly remained silent during questioning.
The case is further complicated by the revelation that the suspect is allegedly a patient at a mental health clinic in Canje, Berbice, raising crucial questions about her care and supervision. The investigation took a grim turn when the suspect’s daughter was questioned by police ranks.
She reported that she had made contact with the suspect via phone, during which the arrested woman chillingly said: “I just strangle Barbara and kill she.” The body of the deceased has been taken to Bailey’s Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is pending.
Investigations are ongoing into the family tragedy, highlighting the desperate need for specialized mental health support and protection for vulnerable family members in the face of such deep-rooted domestic issues.
