Police have detained the reputed husband of Donette Albert as they investigate Monday’s fire at David James Housing Scheme, Charity, which claimed her life and that of their three-year-old son, Keron Latchan.
According to police reports, the man, a welder, remains in custody assisting investigators. He told police that an argument preceded the blaze and claimed that he was unable to enter the burning building to rescue Albert and their child.
The Guyana Fire Service had reported that firefighters arrived to find the two-storey wooden building fully engulfed in flames. During the response, they were informed that two occupants were trapped inside.
Their remains were discovered during a search after the fire was extinguished. According to police reports, the bodies were found on a bed.
The couple had reportedly been together for approximately four years. They initially lived with the man’s parents in Charity Housing Scheme before moving to David James Housing Scheme approximately two years ago.
According to police reports, the man told investigators that he returned home at approximately 4.30 am on Monday after attending a birthday party and went to bed. He said he awoke about two hours later to drink water before returning to bed, while Albert was doing household chores and their son was playing.
He alleged that Albert struck him once on the left side of his head with a belna, or rolling pin, causing an injury. He further claimed that he heard her telephoning his mother and sister and asking them to come to the house.
The man also alleged that Albert threatened to burn down the house.
He reportedly told police that he went downstairs to brush his teeth, then heard a loud explosion and noticed the house was on fire.
He claimed that he immediately ran upstairs and attempted to enter through a door on the north-eastern side to rescue Albert and their son, but the interior was already engulfed in flames.
Meanwhile, Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc., in a Facebook post, extended condolences to the family and called for greater attention to mental health awareness, domestic violence prevention and the protection of women and children.
“No mother and child should ever have to lose their lives under such tragic circumstances,” the organisation stated.
It urged greater compassion and attention to persons seeking help, adding: “Every life matters. Every cry for help deserves to be heard.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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