Police allege attempts to pervert justice in Phillipai murder probe

(Kaieteur News) – Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has revealed that attempts were made to pervert the course of justice during the investigation into the murder of 25-year-old Marinda Ernest, whose nude body was found with puncture wounds along a trail at Phillipai Village, Region Seven.

Blanhum told Kaieteur News on Thursday that investigators have identified individuals suspected of interfering with the probe and that detectives intend to recommend criminal charges against them.

The Crime Chief, however, declined to identify the individuals, stating that the investigation remains ongoing. Ernest is believed to have been murdered between 19:00 and 20:00 hours on Friday, August 28. Her reputed 23-year-old husband was detained and questioned during the initial stages of the investigation. Reports have since surfaced that he was released after the mandatory 72-hour detention period, amid claims that the probe had been temporarily stalled.