Bandits killed by Police ID’ed: Were ‘known characters’, 1 wanted for another crime

Finger print records have disclosed that the two men who who were killed in an exchange of gunfire with Police late last night, are “known characters” to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

According to Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, the bandits were identified as 22-year-old Jamal Letlow of John Fernandes Squatting Area and 22-year-old Shaquille Fraser of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Reports indicate that Letlow, also known as “GAZA” had been apprehended four times on the grounds of break and enter and larceny, while his partner was arrested twice for the same offence.

It was also revealed that Letlow was wanted by the Police for the armed robbery committed on Christopher Persaud, at John Fernandes Access Road, on October 25 last.

Inews previously reported that at 20:30hrs last night, the bandits were shot dead by ranks of the GPF during an exchange of gunfire, shortly after they robbed six persons at Seaforth Street, Campbellville.

Based on reports received from the Police, the six individuals were in a yard at lot 53 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetwon, celebrating a ‘family reunion’ when the two bandits who were armed, pounced and relieved them of their valuables.

Letlow and Fraser discharged several rounds into the air during the commission of the crime.

However, as they were leaving the scene, they were pursued by a number of public spirited citizens, the victims, and ranks of a police patrol which resulted in them being cornered inside the compound of the Campbellville Secondary School, where they discharged several rounds at the Police, who returned fire and fatally shot them.

An unlicensed revolver with five live rounds and a spent shell were recovered next to the slain bandits along with some of the stolen articles, which included five cellular phones, a chain and cash.

Several spent shells were also retrieved at the scene of the crime. The bodies were then taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary and have since been identified by relatives.