Lawrence Drakes & Edward Joseph murders being investigated, 20 gauge shotgun at Big Creek, Port Kaituma
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown
Tel: 225-5401 or 227-2685
PRO: 2/1 January 09, 2008
News Editors,
PRESS RELEASE
The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Internet Café owner Lawrence Drakes who was shot and killed about 1930h. last night on Church Street , Georgetown by two men armed with a rifle and a handgun.
Investigations revealed that Lawrence Drakes was sitting in the Internet Café which is located on the Merriman’s Mall when the two men entered and held him at gunpoint. They took him unto Church Street and made efforts to force him into a dark blue AT 192 Carina motor car bearing registration number PJJ 2135. Drakes, however, resisted and was shot several times about his body, including his chest and hip, by the men who escaped in the vehicle. He was taken to the GPHC where he was pronounced DOA.
During the discharge of rounds by the armed men Brian Vishnu Deolall, who is employed at Bunny’s Supermarket, and an unidentified male customer were hit and injured. Deolall was hit in his right side groin and admitted a patient at the GPHC, while the customer was struck in his right hand.
Four spent .223 calibre shells were recovered at the scene by the police.
(2)
About 0515h. today mini-bus driver Edward Joseph of Meadow Brook, Georgetown was shot and killed by two men armed with firearms at Laing Avenue , Georgetown .
Investigations revealed that Edward Joseph was in his vehicle at the Berbice mini-bus park when he received a call to make a pick up at Laing Avenue . On arrival there he was attacked and shot by the two armed men who escaped. Joseph managed to exit the vehicle and ran some distance until he fell into the nearby trench. He was pronounced DOA at the GPHC.
The mini-bus also ended up in the trench. Four passengers who were in the vehicle at the time, escaped unhurt.
(3)
About 1300h. yesterday members of a police patrol at Big Creek, Port Kaituma, NWD, recovered an unlicensed 20 gauge shotgun along with five matching cartridges.
A 15 years old juvenile is in custody assisting with the investigations.
Ivelaw Whittaker
Public Relations and Press Officer
