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GEORGETOWN — The businessman accused of fatally shooting Police Lance Corporal Richard Hayes has been charged with manslaughter and granted bail in the sum of $1 million. The accused, 37-year-old Robert Hoosein of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty earlier this week, where the charge was read to him. According to investigators, the fatal confrontation occurred following an argument between Hoosein and Hayes over the sale of a cellphone at the suspect’s business place. During the altercation, Hoosein allegedly drew his licensed firearm and shot Hayes in the chest. The officer was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police have since seized the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting and forwarded it for ballistic testing. The Guyana Police Force has also launched an internal review of the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly given the personal nature of the dispute and the fact that the suspect was a licensed firearm holder. This case has reignited public debate over firearm responsibility and the legal thresholds for self-defence in Guyana. Data from the Guyana Police Force indicate that at least five fatal shootings involving licensed firearm holders have been recorded so far in 2025, reflecting a growing concern about misuse of weapons among civilians. The matter has been adjourned as investigators continue to compile evidence for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
