Security guard charged with murder of gold miner at Sands Backdam

Jul 10, 2026 News

Ormyous Vieira

(Kaieteur News) A 27-year-old resident of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, Ormyous Vieira was on Thursday charged with the murder of 32-year-old gold miner Ceton Courtman.

Vieira appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrates’ Court. He was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to 17th August,2026, for continuation of report and disclosure.

Reacting to the swift legal proceedings, Courtman’s family told Kaieteur News that the charge brings a small sense of relief, calling it “a step forward” in their pursuit of justice.

Ceton Courtman

The charge stems from a violent confrontation on the morning of Monday, 6th July, 2026, at Sands Backdam along the Cuyuni River. According to preliminary police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 11:50 hrs, when Courtman — also known as Ceton Smith, originally of St. Monica Village, Upper Pomeroon River — became embroiled in an argument with Vieira, who was working at the site as a private security guard for a local firm.

Police said the dispute escalated quickly, and that Vieira drew his firearm and fired a single round, striking Courtman in the head.

The injured miner was rushed to the nearby Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) Medical Centre but was pronounced dead on arrival. An initial physical examination found a single, circular wound to the centre of his head, consistent with a gunshot injury.

Responding officers apprehended Vieira at the scene. Detectives recovered a Taurus .32 pistol believed to be the murder weapon, along with 12 matching rounds of live ammunition. Both the firearm and ammunition have been tested and lodged as evidence.

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gold miner, Lodge, Norton Street, Sands backdam, Security guard

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