CUMMINGS LODGE, ECD — Police are investigating a shocking case of murder and arson that unfolded early Tuesday morning at Lot 22 Second Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. A 50-year-old woman was brutally slain by her reputed husband before their home was set on fire.
The victim has been identified as Paula Abraham, who was found lying lifeless on a blood-soaked mattress inside her bedroom. She was clad in a yellow vest and black shorts and bore a deep stab wound to the left side of her neck. Investigators noted that although flames had engulfed parts of the house, Abraham’s body and the mattress showed no signs of burning — indicating she was killed before the fire was set.
According to reports, Abraham lived in the lower flat of the two-storey home with her reputed husband, 46-year-old Ishwar Singh, and their daughter, 24-year-old Preeta Singh. Preeta told police she was awakened around 1:30 a.m. by her mother’s terrified screams. Soon after, she noticed flames spreading and managed to escape through a southern door, raising an alarm.
Neighbours rushed to help as the fire consumed the building. Witnesses said Singh staggered out through a northern door, his body badly burned. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, which gutted the upper flat and partially destroyed the lower section.
Abraham’s bloodied body was later discovered in her room. Singh, who reportedly had a history of abuse and threats against the victim, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital under police guard. He succumbed to his injuries around 10:10 a.m. His body is now at the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
The gruesome crime has left the Cummings Lodge community in shock. Investigations are ongoing as police continue to interview witnesses.
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