Latest update March 12th, 2026 12:40 AM
Family to proceed with second autopsy of murdered tourist guide
(Kaieteur News) – The family of popular tourist guide, Leon Baird called ‘Rasta’ who was murdered in January in the Rupununi Savannah, Region Nine, is proceeding with a second autopsy.
A close relative of Baird told Kaieteur News on Wednesday that the autopsy will be conducted in Lethem by a pathologist from Trinidad and Tobago on Monday.
Asked the reason for a second post mortem examination, the relative said the family is “not satisfied” with the first one that was done.
As part of the police investigation into his death, government pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as burns and indicated that the victim was alive prior to the fire.
Dead, Leon ‘Rasta’ Baird
The relative said the family has been “hearing a lot of things” surrounding Baird’s death. It is believed that the second autopsy will bring clarity to the lingering questions.
The family member added that based on the results, they would know how to move forward with the case or proceed with the burial.
Kaieteur News had reported that the 49-year-old community relations officer of Region Nine was charged with the murder of the Rupununi tourist guide.
The accused, Ken Faria of Culvert City, Central Rupununi, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty where the charge was read to him. Faria was remanded to prison and is expected to return to court on March 31, 2026.
It was reported that Baird’s body was discovered on January 25, 2026 between Wichabai Ranch and Sand Creek Village. He was reported missing two days earlier after leaving the Wichabai Ranch where he lived and worked as a caretaker.
Baird’s colleagues disclosed that before his death some of the animals he cared for on the ranch went missing. As a result, they suspect that on January 23 he left in search of the animals.
Further, the deceased’s colleagues told Kaieteur News that cattle rustling has been a major issue for years and the matter was reported to the police on numerous occasions.
“This rustling thing has been going on down here in the Rupununi for so many years and so many reports have been made to the police from ranches not just our ranch, villages, individuals and from the South Rupununi District Council for years, about the same people who are going around and killing animals and selling the meat to Lethem,” one of Baird’s colleagues explained.
Additionally, Kaieteur News was told that Baird was threatened by persons suspected to be rustlers.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement dated January 30, noted that investigators discovered the remains of two cows close to where Baird’s body was recovered. It is suspected the animals were shot.
“Items of evidential value, including a knife and spent shotgun shells, were recovered and lodged as part of ongoing examinations,” the police said in a statement.
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