TWENTY-FIVE-year-old Richard Culpepper of One Mile, Potaro was fatally stabbed by another miner during a heated argument last Sunday at Sand Hills, Cuyuni Mazaruni (Region Seven).According to the police, a group of men were imbibing when a row began. It turned into a fight, and the suspect stabbed Culpepper in the chest with a knife. He has since fled further in the back dam.

Police say it is unsure what led to the fatal stabbing, but several miners had gathered for a ‘drink’ when the incident occurred. They have since revealed the identity of the suspect, whom police are seeking to apprehend.

Divisional Commander Rabindranauth Budhram has said that ‘disorderly murders’ have always been a problem in the hinterland, as most miners imbibe heavily and get into drunken brawls over women, among other things. He related that the leading contributors to these incidents are alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and worksite disputes involving workers and bosses.

According to police statistics, ‘F’ Division has recorded 13 murders, most of which have been disorderly murders committed between January and September 2016. For the corresponding period last year, this division had tallied 17 murders.