PORK-KNOCKER Randy Phillips, aka “Salt head”, of Kildonan village, Central Corentyne East Berbice, is currently battling for his life at the New Amsterdam Hospital after being stabbed several times to his body by a suspect known only as “Rat”.The incident, which occurred at a shop in a back street of the neighbouring village of Nurney at about 13:00hrs on Sunday, stemmed from a taunting incident that turned violent.

The 29-year-old injured man’s sister, Rovell Leitch, told this publication that Phillips was with some friends when “Rat” began taunting him about his girlfriend.

“My brother and some friends were at a shop hanging out, and then the guy (Rat) started to interfere with him about his girlfriend, and Randy answer he and they start scuffle. I hold on to the guy and ask he why he hurting my brother, and he say is not me and him; leh he (Randy) dead; leh he S@*$T dead!” Leitch said.

The woman said she took away a cutlass which Rat had in his possession, but he took out a knife and stabbed her brother once to the abdomen, once to the shoulder and once to the head in the region of the temple.

“Rat had a cutlass when they start scrambling. I pull away the cutlass from Rat; he then tek a piece wood and lash (Phillips) on he head (before) he pulled out a knife and stab he; and (Phillips) drop down. I pick he up and rush he away to the hospital,” the sister related.

The suspect reportedly fled to the backdam after the altercation, and is currently in hiding.

Theresa Phillips, mother of Randy Phillips, said her only son came out of the interior a mere week ago, and she is calling on the authorities to find the suspect, who reportedly went into hiding after fleeing the scene.

“Randy is my only son, and (he) does take care of me. I want the police to find ‘Rat’ and make sure I get justice, because my son doesn’t deserve this,” she tearfully declared.

She said Randy was initially taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where his condition is listed as critical. He is unresponsive to treatment, and is on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Theresa Phillips said “Rat” is from Nurney village, and she is unaware of what could have triggered his rage against her son, since they would hang out from time to time.

Police have launched a manhunt for “Rat” as they continue their investigations.