Narine still “person of interest” in Crum-Ewing case – Crime Chief

Although Regan Rodrigues also called “Grey Boy” was arraigned for the murder of ex-soldier Courtney Crum-Ewing, investigators are still continuing their probe citing Rajput Narine as a person of interest.

This was according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Friday who stated that despite bail being granted to Narine, he still reports to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters whenever he is stipulated to do so. The investigation, he noted, will continue until the matter comes to a full closure.

A few weeks ago, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack had recommended that charges be instituted against Rodrigues since there was enough evidence to do so. At the same time, she requested additional information with respect to Narine.

A senior Police rank had told the Guyana Times International that the file with the additional information would have been sent back to the DPP during this week, but it was not done. “Once the file has the necessary information requested by the DPP, it will be sent for advice,” the officer stated.

Narine was arrested in July for questioning into the killing of Crum-Ewing. However, he denied having any involvement in the planning, organisation or execution of Crum-Ewing, who died from a hail of bullets at Diamond, East Bank Demerara back in March.

“Grey Boy” was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, but during investigations into that matter, it was found out that the weapon matched the one used in the execution of Crum-Ewing.

While in custody, Rodrigues told Police ranks that he was allegedly contacted by Narine for him to do a “hit” on social and political activist Mark Benschop.

Narine, on the other hand, during his detention, told investigators that he never knew “Grey Boy” personally and was never part of any plot to assassinate Benschop or Crum-Ewing. Narine was subsequently released on bail.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-year-old father of three, was gunned down execution style on March 10, while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme to go out and cast their ballots on May 11.

An autopsy report proved that Crum-Ewing was shot five times – three bullets went to the head, while one struck the back of the neck and the fifth bullet entered under one of his arms. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue was also found on the back of the collar of the shirt that he was wearing. This newspaper was told that two .38 war heads were removed from the dead man’s head.