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The woman whose body was found stuffed in a barrel at R & S Street, Belvedere Corentyne has been identified as 23-year-old Devika “Vanessa” Vickram.

The young woman lived at Lot 361 Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, before moving to Berbice with the man who allegedly murdered her. She also lived in Venezuela for sometime.

According to police, the suspect who has been identified as Suraj Verasammy called ‘“Radesh” who works as a labourer confessed under caution to committing the crime.

The 30-year-old man told investigators that he became enraged, after the woman whom he had been living with for about five months threatened to leave. Neighbors said the man was abusive.

This newscast understands that Verasammy allegedly used a bed sheet and strangled the victim. He then bashed her face to a pulp. When the woman’s body was discovered by neighbors it was unrecognizable and bore marks of violence.

In his attempt to cover his tracks he stuffed her body into one of their blue barrels and dumped it into a nearby trench before going into hiding.

It is alleged that he committed the heinous crime last Thursday.

Police caught the suspect hiding under the Canje Bridge on Sunday and he was taken into custody for questioning. He allegedly confessed on Monday to the gruesome murder.

The autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday (April 14th) after which legal advice will be sought.

A man was arrested today (April 12th) for questioning into the discovery of the unidentified body of the woman who was found stuffed in a barrel at R & S Street, Belvedere Corentyne Berbice.

Commander of ‘B’ Division Calvin Brutus confirmed the arrest, adding that the man was found hiding under the Canje Berbice and was taken into custody for questioning into the woman’s murder.

The suspect is a Laborer of Hampshire Village. He is said to be the reputed husband of the victim who is still to be identified.

The woman’s battered body was stuffed in a blue barrel and dumped in a nearby trench a few days ago. Residents noticed the barrel but it did not raise any suspicion since they thought it was garbage.

However, Saturday morning Harrindranauth Yodan, who lives obliquely opposite the scene told this newscast that a foul scent emanated from the trench, as such he ventured outside to check since he thought it was a dead animal.

Upon checking, he noticed a cloth at the opening of the barrel which he removed and saw a foot hanging out. An alarm was raised which and the police were alerted.

After undertakers removed the body from the barrel, there were visible marks of violence on the woman’s face and body.

According to neighbors the couple who recently moved into the area would argue often and they have not seen the woman in days.

Neighbors also told this newscast that the couple have two barrels in their yard that they store water in; however one of the barrel is missing.

By Farah Bates – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an unidentified female whose battered body was found in a barrel dumped in a trench at Belvedere, Corentyne Berbice around 9:30AM Saturday morning.

The barrel was seen in a nearby trench a few days ago by residents but it did not raise any suspicion since they thought it was garbage.

However, Saturday morning Harrindranauth Yodan, who lives obliquely opposite the scene told this newscast that a foul scent emanated from the trench, as such he ventured outside to check since he thought it was a dead animal.

Upon checking, he noticed a cloth at the opening of the barrel which he removed and saw a foot hanging out. An alarm was raised which and the police were alerted.

After undertakers removed the body from the barrel, there were visible marks of violence on the woman’s face and body.

Residents fear the worse, as a young couple who recently moved to the area have not been seen in days.

According to neighbors the couple would argue often and they are now wondering if the body that was found is that of the woman.

Neighbors also told this newscast that the couple have two barrels in their yard that they store water in; however one of the barrel is missing.

No names have been given since the couple recently moved into the area.

The body of an unidentified female was found in a barrel dumped in a drain at R & S Street Belvedere Corentyne Berbice. The woman’s body was discovered by villagers around 9:30AM.

Police are on the scene and have cordoned off the area as investigation continues.

According to neighbors they noticed the barrel a few days ago in the area but paid no attention to it. After a foul scent persons checked and noticed a leg hanging from the barrel and alerted the police.

The woman’s body is badly battered and her face is beyond recognition.

News-in-Depth’s Farah Bates is on the scene and will bring you more details as it becomes available.