33 year old Neon Howard of Friendship, East Coast Demerara, was fatally shot earlier today when he opened fire on ranks of the Joint Services along a trail leading from St Mary’s Quarry, Essequibo River in Region #7.
Based on the investigations conducted thus far, Howard was wanted for aiding in the escape of notorious convicted killer and condemned ‘death row’ prisoner Mark Royden Williams called ‘Smallie’, who, with his (Howard’s) assistance, fled the Mazaruni Prison on 2023/05/19.
As a consequence, a manhunt was launched by the Joint Services for the escapee along with his two accomplices, which included Howard.
The three men were reportedly sighted in the St Mary’s quarry area on Saturday and ranks from the Joint Services promptly responded and launched several patrols via ATV and foot in the area.
At about 06 hours 54 today, a patrol on ATV was along a trail about six (6) miles North/ West of where a Lumber Concession is based on the Essequibo River bank when the patrol confronted Howard. The Joint Services ranks recognised him as one of the men wanted. They arrested Howard and proceeded to escort him through the trail, when the suspect suddenly snatched one of the ranks firearm from his lap as the rank drove the ATV.
Dead accomplice – Neon Howard (Travis Chase photo)
Howard immediately jumped off the ATV, ran a short distance in front of the ATV, and turned face-on whilst attempting to crank the firearm. As a result, one of the Joint Services ranks, who was armed with an AK 47 rifle, then discharged four rounds in Howard’s direction, one of which struck Howard, who fell in a ditch of water whilst still attempting to crank the firearm.
On seeing that, another Joint Services rank then discharged three rounds from his 9mm weapon, of which two struck him as he soon became motionless. Thereafter, Howard was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead on arrival.
At the time of Howard’s arrest, he was found with a black Samsung phone, one grey haversack which contained a pair of black Nike boots, Vitamin C tablets, Iron tablets, Malaria tablets, one camouflage hammock, one pack of cook-up seasoning, and one checkered boxer. It should be noted that items similar to these, including rations, had been previously discovered by ranks of the Joint Services who were in hot pursuit of the suspects.
Further, an eyewitness who had interactions under duress with the escapee and his accomplices has positively identified Howard as one of those accomplices.
Investigations are underway.
