A 52-year-old businessman from Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara is in Police custody over the shooting death of a vagrant outside his premises. The businessman, Pooran Singh, operates a beverage depot at his home.

A report of the incident stated that on the morning of December 1, 2024, Singh shot and killed the vagrant, who has since been identified as Paul Carter.

The businessman claimed that he was in his home when he heard “strange noises” coming from outside his residence.

He told investigators that upon checking, he observed a man removing bottles of beer that were reportedly stored at the side of his premises. The businessman said he armed himself with his licensed firearm and discharged three rounds in the man’s directions.

The man, Paul Carter, collapsed after being hit by the bullets. The businessman left the scene and visited the Vigilance Police Station where he filed a report and handed over his firearm.

The Police said its investigators arrived at the scene and found the man’s body with bullet wounds a rope tied around the feet and waist. At the scene of the shooting, the investigators discovered three spent shells. One was found on the verandah of the house while the other two were found in the yard.

Other persons in the area were questioned, but reported that they only heard the gunshots. Investigators said the property is fitted with a number of security cameras. It is unclear whether the video recording of the incident has been retrieved by the investigators.

The Guyana Police Force only issued a statement on the homicide case after journalists questioned the release of a photograph seeking the identification of the man who was killed. The Police did not indicate at the time that the man had been murdered, but said it was just trying to identify him.

As the investigations continue, the Police said the businessman remains in custody and legal advice is being sought.

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