Update: Woman was fatally shot to head; suspect undergoing surgery – police

See full statement from the Guyana Police Force:

Police are investigating the alleged murder of Marissa Beete, a 30-year-old female who was employed at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and who resided at Lot 706 Recht-Door-Zee, West Bank Demerara, which occurred between 18:15 and 19:00 hrs today (Tuesday, 8th April 2025).

The suspect, Ghalee Khan, a 47-year-old Security Personnel attached to the Integrated Security Service, is presently hospitalised in a serious condition, nursing an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Initial investigation revealed that the now-deceased woman and the suspect shared and romantic relationship for the past two (2) years. However, the relationship ended due to a misunderstanding (it is unclear what was the misunderstanding).

At about 16:15 hrs today, Marissa was at home with her 62-year-old mother, Jennifer Vaughn, when she received a call from the suspect, who told her that he wanted to speak with her. Despite her mom rebuking her for doing so, Marissa opened the door and invited the suspect into the house.

The 62-year-old woman stated that she got up and went to the back of the house, giving the suspect and her daughter privacy.

Sometime after, the woman said she heard her daughter call out “Mommy”, followed by a loud explosion. The woman said she immediately rushed to the living room, where she saw her daughter (Marissa) in a slouched-over position on the ground and what appeared to be blood coming from her head.

At the time, the suspect was standing with what appeared to be a gun over the victim’s head. The 62-year-old woman said she ran and held on to the suspect, who fired another shot in an unknown direction. The suspect pushed Jennifer Vaughn to the floor, after which he turned the gun and shot himself once in the head.

Marissa Beete and Ghalee Khan were both taken to the West Demerara Hospital by public-spirited persons in an unconscious state, where Marissa succumbed to her injuries. Ghalee Khan is currently undergoing surgery, and his condition is considered serious.

Marissa’s body was checked for any marks of violence, and one bullet-like wound was seen above her right eye. The body was later escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

At the scene, Police recovered the firearm, along with three (3) live rounds of ammunition. The scene was checked for anything of evidential significance, and items were taken for forensic analysis. Several persons were questioned as investigations continue.