Father of three dies one week after stabbing incident, suspect in custody

Leon Parahoo

Leon Parahoo, a 31-year-old taxi driver and a father of three, died one week after he was stabbed at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the incident occurred between August 17 and 18.

Parahoo, who is said to be from Tuschen and Zeelugt, succumbed to his injuries on Friday last while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The GPF said that the victim and the suspect are known to each other following an altercation in 2023 where Parahoo allegedly stabbed Sackoon.

However, Alejandro Alli, a 22-year-old taxi driver, was arrested following the stabbing incident, and he told police that he dropped off a customer at the Parika Junction when he was approached by the suspect, whom he had known for about three years.

According to the 22-year-old taxi driver, Sackoon requested to be taken to Nancy’s Bar at Parika Access Road. Alli agreed, and Sackoon entered the car, sitting in the rear with a Guinness in hand, dressed in a dark hoodie and black pants.

During the short drive, Sackoon asked Alli to stop, claiming he had forgotten something. He then exited the car, heading north. After waiting a few minutes, Sackoon returned to the vehicle in a hurry, jumped in, and ordered Alli to drive off quickly, confessing that he had just stabbed someone.

Sackoon then placed a shiny blade on Alli’s neck and threatened to kill his entire family if he mentioned the incident to anyone.

Fearful for his life, Alli drove for some distance before stopping and ordering Sackoon out of the vehicle. When Sackoon refused to exit, Alli retrieved a piece of wood from his car and confronted him, prompting Sackoon to flee towards the riverside.

Shaken, Alli drove home and informed his parents of what had transpired. He made a report, and on August 23, 2024, at about 09:00h, police officers arrived at the suspect’s home at 531 Zeelugt North Housing Scheme.

Sackoon was informed that he was a suspect in the investigation of a murder. While searching his premises, police recovered two kitchen knives, a pair of black jeans, and a grey hoodie, which were lodged for analysis.

Sackoon was taken into custody at Parika Police Station. According to the police, he exhibited abnormal behaviour, appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or another substance.

Authorities have also revisited the crime scene, collecting evidence, including CCTV footage, and obtaining statements from several witnesses.