Seaman’s murder probe…Prime suspect released after DPP recommends further investigation

Jun 24, 2017 News

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that investigators conduct further investigation into the murder of 27-year-old Roy Rowland, whose body, with a gunshot wound, was found on May 17, last at Marigold Street,

Dead: Roy Rowland

Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown.
Rowland was shot to the back of the head. His best friend, who was identified as the prime suspect in the murder, was released on bail after the DPP made her recommendations.
Investigators had expressed their interest in Rowland’s best friend, after the now dead man had indicated to his fiancée that he was with him (best friend) just hours before his (Rowland’s) body was discovered.
Kaieteur News understands that the victim was working with the prime suspect and his cousins in Cayenne. It is suspected that he was involved in the drug trade.
Investigators working on the case have received information that the young man might have been killed over a missing gun or cash, but they are yet to confirm which it was.
“The information we got points to him (best friend), but whatever we have is circumstantial, so the DPP recommended further investigation,” a police source said.
He explained that after the wanted bulletin was issued for the suspect, he turned himself in and claimed that he had nothing to do with Rowland’s murder.
“We couldn’t question him, because his lawyer would have informed him not to say a word. We had him and another person in custody, but he (best friend) is the only suspect we have in this murder…We just have to do some more work,” the rank said.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s father, Rowland Bentham revealed the moment he found out his son was dead. He said he was sweeping his front yard when someone approached him and showed him the picture of his son’s body on a phone.
”Right away I picked up my bicycle and go to Roxanne Burnham and I see him. After the police said that no one can go near the body, I went home and inform everybody,” Bentham said.
He added that he last saw his son around 21:00 hrs on May 16, last when he (Roy) left home to go and spend the night by his fiancée.
Bentham said the next time he heard about his son was when he saw the photograph of the young man’s body.
Another relative said she was informed that after the man left his father’s home, he went to pick up his wife.
”He went to pick up his wife with the same taxi and like they (wife and taxi driver) drop he (Roy) off by some shop and when they were passing back, they called, and he told them that he wasn’t ready as yet,” the relative noted.
The woman further explained that as Rowland’s wife was heading home in the taxi, he called to inform her that he would be “making a spin” with his best friend and as such, would return home late.
Investigations are ongoing.