Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
67-year-old gas station proprietor strangled
– gold jewellery, documents found intact
The body of gas station owner Brandis Roberts, with hands bound behind his back, was found at around 07:30 hrs yesterday in his home at Lot 600 Parika Main Road, East Bank Essequibo.
Roberts, 67, called ‘Uncle Brandis,’ was reportedly discovered lying face-down in the kitchen area in the bottom flat of his two-storey home.
Dead proprietor Brandis Roberts, as a young man
His hands were tied with lengths of cord and a shirt was tied around his throat.
It is unclear whether any valuables were stolen, since the victim was still wearing two gold rings when the body was found.
A canister containing documents was also found intact, although attempts had reportedly been made to force it open.
In addition, the businessman’s cellular phone was untouched, as were the keys to his gas station and his car, which was parked outside of the house.
A friend of the deceased also explained that Brandis was in the habit of making night deposits at the bank, and would most likely not have had any large sums of cash on him.
Burglars had reportedly broken into his home last year and carted off some $2.5M.
Kaieteur News understands that Brandis, who is a widower, has been living alone for the past seven years.
The gruesome discovery was made by the victim’s younger brother, Winsley Roberts, after Brandis failed to turn up at the gas station which he owned.
According to Winsley, he received a phone call from one of the employees of the gas station after Brandis failed to turn up at 6:30 hours, as he usually did, to open up the business and begin the day’s work.
Winsley said that he proceeded to the gas station and opened up for the employees, and then tried to call his brother on the telephone.
“De phone ring out three times before I decide fuh go by de house and see wha going on,” explained Winsley.
A relative is overcome with grief after hearing of Brandis’s death.
Persons living in the environs noted that, on Saturday night, when it is suspected that Brandis was murdered, there was a big party in the area and the music was deafening.
They surmise that the loud music may have drowned any screams for help there may have been.
Even though the body was discovered yesterday morning, some residents suggested that Brandis was slain on Saturday evening, since he was still wearing his work clothes and boots.
It is also well known in the area that Brandis was an ardent domino player, and would usually play dominoes at his brother’s residence on Saturdays.
Sources have said that Brandis owns several properties in the Parika area.
According to reports reaching this newspaper, Brandis and others were in a court dispute over some of the properties which Brandis inherited.
Several residents expressed disbelief at Brandis’s death. “He was like a father to the entire community,” remarked one of his neighbours.
Other residents described his passing as ‘tragic’ and ‘unbelievable.’
When the covered body was brought to the hearse, residents crowded the vehicle to see the dead man’s face, to confirm that he was really dead.
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