Miner found dead with chop wounds at Issano; 2 arrested

Two persons including a 19-year-old are now in police custody following the discovery of a gold miner’s body at 14 Miles Issano, Middle Mazaruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Dead is 55-year-old John José Marciano of One Mile, Wismar, Linden.

Police say the murder occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026 about 03:45hrs.

Enquiries disclosed that the deceased was at his mining camp at 14 Miles Issano when an incident reportedly occurred during the early morning hours. He was subsequently discovered slouched on the ground within the mining camp with multiple chop wounds about his body.

A suspected murder weapon (cutlass) was recovered in close proximity to the body.

The body is to be escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital for an official pronouncement and will thereafter await a post-mortem examination.

A 35-year-old female cook of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was taken into police custody assisting with the investigation.

Additionally, acting on further information received, a 19-year-old gold miner of Tapakuma, Essequibo Coast, was arrested by police in Anna Regina, Region #2 about 07:45hrs today in connection with the alleged murder. He too is presently in custody pending further investigations.

Investigations are ongoing.