Blackie had impressive arsenal
-Inquest hears
Stabroek News
September 27, 2002
Wounds as large as four inches in diameter were inflicted on the bodies of Linden London and Rhonda Forde during the 11-hour siege of the Toucan Suites Guest House.
This was the testimony of Inspector of Police, Deonarine, who was the second witness to testify during a whole-day session of the Coroner's Inquest into the deaths of London and Forde on Wednesday.
Deonarine's testimony followed that of Corporal Troy Whitaker of the Crime Scenes Unit, who had tendered London's post mortem report.
Deonarine said after arriving at Eccles on the morning of February 9, he stayed some 200 yards away from the guesthouse until he was informed that London had been fatally shot along with Forde. He subsequently went to the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary where he examined both bodies. He discovered at least seven wounds on both bodies along the upper and lower legs and also one on the side of London's head. There were no wounds between London's neck and pelvic area, he said. The smallest of the wounds were .25" in diameter and the largest four inches.
Following his examination of the body, Deonarine returned to the scene at the guest house where he and other ranks including soldiers, sorted through the debris of the apartment where London had been holed up.
Six firearms, seven grenades, including three smoke grenades, 462 live rounds and 2,768 spent shells were recovered during the exercise. The firearms comprised of: one AK-47 assault rifle; one Sterling sub-machinegun No.KR8728; two pump action 12-gauge shotguns; one Browning 9 mm pistol; and one .32 Taurus revolver. Besides the live and spent rounds, 12 cold rounds were also recovered. This is where the warhead fails to leave the body of the ammunition. Other items found included: a bullet proof vest, a pair of boots, a hat, a camouflage jacket, pants and poncho, a pair of blue jeans, an army duffel bag; $280 and an empty ammunition case. Also discovered were two passports, Republic of Guyana No.083478 in favour of James Anthony Hector and a St Lucian passport No.003097 in favour of Brian Superverroy Armstrong. Both passports, according to Deonarine, bore the photograph of London.
Deonarine however specified that only one gun - the .32 Taurus revolver - was found in the apartment. And while he could not account for where the other weapons were found, he said they were recovered at the scene.
The Inquest is to continue on October 8 at 1:00 pm when Inspector Deonarine will continue his testimony and tender the exhibits, which were found at the scene.