‘Bat’ in custody over murder of co-worker on New Year’s Day

Crime sleuths have launched an investigation into the New Year’s Day murder of Reinsford Kenny, who was allegedly killed during a violent altercation at Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, Region Seven.

The suspect, 28-year-old Alpha Osafha McPhoy, known as “Bat,” a gold miner from Georgetown, is in police custody after admitting to stabbing Kenny.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), ranks responded to the scene on January 1, 2025, where they discovered evidence near a roadway opposite the business place of Rhyburn Elcock, who employed both the victim and the suspect.

Items recovered included a left-side Havaianas slipper, a black-and-red left-side Guangda slipper, and a black-and-yellow flap hat.

According to Elcock, Kenny arrived at his shop intoxicated and behaved disorderly. After removing Kenny from the premises, Elcock later learned that McPhoy had stabbed Kenny during a commotion outside.

Jermain Sampson, a coworker of both men, attempted to intervene in a knife fight between Kenny and McPhoy. Sampson sustained stab wounds himself and later found Kenny lying motionless with a stab wound to the chest.

McPhoy has admitted to stabbing Kenny but claims it was in self-defence. He alleged that Kenny attacked him with a knife during the altercation.

Police have recovered the alleged murder weapon and are continuing their investigation. The suspect remains in custody as authorities gather additional evidence and testimonies to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal encounter.