Police are investigating the suspected murder of a 25-year-old farmer whose unclothed body was discovered near a stream at Philippai Village, Upper Mazaruni River, on Friday night.
The dead woman has been identified as Marinda Ernest of Philippai Village. Her 23-year-old reputed husband is in police custody assisting with the investigation.
According to the police, Ernest and the man had earlier joined approximately 40 villagers in a self-help exercise at a farm about an hour’s walk from their home.
The exercise ended at around 4 pm, after which the couple left for home. The man told investigators that while they were travelling along the main trail, he entered the bushes briefly and could not locate Ernest when he returned.
He said that he proceeded home but did not find her there. He then returned to the trail and searched the area, where he discovered Ernest unclothed and motionless in bushes near a stream. He subsequently alerted villagers.
The matter was reported to the police at approximately 7 am yesterday. Investigators visited the area later that day and found Ernest’s body beneath a shed and covered with a sheet.
An examination revealed suspected puncture wounds below her left breast and to her back, along with abrasions on her back and left leg.
The body is awaiting a post-mortem examination as the investigation continues.
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