While investigations continue into Wednesday night’s fatal shooting of two men at Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, no arrest has yet been made.
The victims were 22-year-old Cordel August, a wash bay attendant of Lot 8815 Vigilance South, and 35-year-old Eon Headley, a self-employed resident of the same community.
Post-mortem examinations have since confirmed that August died from a wound to the chest after sustaining two gunshot injuries, while Headley died from multiple gunshot wounds about the body.
Police in Regional Division 4C are investigating the shooting, which occurred at about 10 pm.
According to a police statement, preliminary investigations indicate that August and Headley were among a group of persons gathered at a shop when two men dressed in black, who were travelling on a motorcycle, approached and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Both men were rushed by public-spirited citizens to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Speaking with Kiskadee Watch, August’s sister, Actmeholda August, recalled hearing what she initially believed were four gunshots while she was upstairs at home shortly before 10 pm.
“I heard four shots at first, then it started going rapidly,” she said.
She said she immediately ran outside and saw another brother rushing towards the scene. By the time they reached Cordel, he had already been shot.
Actmeholda believes her brother was not the intended target but was caught in the attack while at the shop.
Based on accounts she received from eyewitnesses, she said Cordel was shot twice before confronting one of the gunmen.
“He held onto the firearm and punched the suspect in the face,” she said. She said that the gunman then pulled a second weapon from his waistband and shot Cordel in the chest.
Her account has not been independently verified by police.
Meanwhile, Headley’s sister, Shamame Peters, said her brother had been liming with friends and was preparing to return home when the shooting occurred.
Peters also expressed concern over what she described as increasing criminal activity in the community, saying many residents remain reluctant to cooperate with investigations out of fear of retaliation.
She said that although surveillance footage may exist that could assist investigators, many persons are hesitant to come forward, allowing violent crimes to continue with little accountability.
Police investigations are continuing.
Discussion