UPDATE: Dead bandits identified 

Last Updated on Monday, 19 December 2016, 12:10 by Denis Chabrol

The two bandits, who were shot dead Sunday night shortly after robbing several persons at a family reunion, have been identified as persons who have had previous brushes with the law. 

They are ‎Jamal “Gaza” Letlow of John Fernandes Squatting Area  and Shaquielle Fraser of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara both 22 years old. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum described them as “known characters.”

Letlow was arrested on four occasions for gun robbery and break and enter and larceny whilst his accomplice was arrested on two occasions for break and enter and larceny.‎

They were identified after police compared their fingerprints with records.

Police said the bandits were shot dead during an exchange of gunfire, shortly after they robbed six persons at Seaforth Street, Campbellville.

Enquiries disclosed that about 8:30 PM, the victims were in a yard at lot 53 Seaforth Street, Campbellville celebrating a “Family Reunion” when the now dead bandits, whilst armed, pounced and relieved them of their valuables.

“They discharged several rounds into the air during the commission of the crime. As they were leaving the scene, they were pursued by a number of public spirited citizens, the victims and ranks of a police patrol. They were cornered inside the compound of the Campbellville Secondary School where they discharged several rounds at the lawmen who returned fire  and fatally shot them,” police said.

An unlicensed revolver with five live rounds and a spent shell were recovered next to the slain bandits along with some of the stolen articles, which included five cellular phones, a chain and cash. Several spent shells were also retrieved at the scene of the crime.