Three murder accused escape from Lusignan Prison

Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 October 2020, 15:11 by Denis Chabrol

Three inmates have escaped from the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara, police and prison officials confirmed Wednesday.

The escapees have been identified as Alex Matthias of Alex Mathias of Good Hope Dock Yard, Essequibo; Mark Rafino of Goed Intent Village, West Bank Demerara and Arnold Kennedy of Lot 847 Zeeburg Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels said initial investigations revealed that the prisoners were checked and locked in and on  October 20 at about 11 PM, Joint Services personnel on the ground received information that the prisoners had escaped. An alarm was raised and the ranks immediately conducted checks around the prisons and its nearby environs but did not locate anyone. However, about 6 AM on Wednesday October 21, a head count revealed that the prisoners as listed above were missing.

“Further investigations revealed that the said prisoners jumped the south eastern fence and fled into the surrounding area. An intensive manhunt is underway as investigation continues,” Mr. Samuels said.

The public is asked to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or 225-6411. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Matthias was accused of the murder of a man at Pomona Housing Scheme in December 2018 . He was committed to stand trial in the High Court.

Mark Rafino was committed to stand trial for High Court for attempted murder committed on a barber at Richmond.  He was granted bail and he was also on trial for the East Coast Robbery of the Money changer and his daughter.

Rafino ‘s last given address was La Grange, West Bank Demerara and Queenstown Essequibo Coast. He is the brother of Delwyn Croft from Wakenaam . Kennedy and others were accused of the murder of Alvin Seenarine called ‘Chockoloo’, of 820 ‘G’ Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo in July, 2019.