– relatives say police must dig deeper to find killer(s)
A team from the United States Army has arrived in Guyana and is assisting the local police in their probe into the death of U. S. Army Captain Max Kungel, who was found murdered at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice on Sunday morning, a relative confirmed.
The team arrived on Tuesday evening in Guyana and the members have met with relatives and local investigators during which they were briefed thoroughly about the case. According to information, the team also includes a forensic expert who conducted another examination on the remains of the U. S. Army medical doctor.
Speaking with this newspaper on Wednesday, a relative disclosed that as a result of further tests being conducted by the U.S. officials, the body of Kungel has not yet been handed over to the family, thus no funeral arrangements have been made at this time. He added that to date, the police have arrested two family members, including Omesh Thakurdeen, who was found hanging in his cell at Number 51 Police Station.
Guyana Times International understands that the dead doctor’s family is presently at loggerheads over an estate owned by his deceased father.
The relative stated that another family member is now in custody, along with another man. He added that while the police are carrying out their duties, he is of the opinion that the persons arrested were not involved in the man’s murder and the police should “dig deeper”.
Explaining his rationale, he said that the men arrested were very close to Kungel and would not cause him harm. “These guys are quiet and peaceful… Omesh hanged himself probably, because he was accused of killing his own cousin and couldn’t face his family again…. he was a soft person,” the man added.
Possible motive
As investigations continue into the death of Kungel, who was an army doctor for more than 10 years, it seems his death might have been orchestrated by people with whom he had issues. The autopsy performed on his remains indicated that he was shot five times in the stomach. After the autopsy, Thakurdeen, 27, of Number 72 Village, Corentyne, was found hanging in the lockup.
He had been arrested about 20: 50h on Monday.
According to the police, during a routine check at 05: 20h on Tuesday, Thakurdeen was found hanging by his shirt from the grille work.
The overseas-based Kungel, 42, was found in his rented Toyota Tundra on Sunday morning on a trail leading to the Number 70 Village Backdam, Corentyne, Berbice by unknown persons. He was sitting in the driver’s seat in an upright position, with bloodstains on his mouth, neck, and on the driver’s seat, His personal belongings, including his jewellery and money, were missing and his wallet, which appeared to be empty, was found outside the vehicle.
