Live-in domestic bound, strangled in Diamond house

Police are investigating the murder of a 53-year-old live-in domestic whose body, with hands bound behind the back, was discovered yesterday afternoon at Lot 130 Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, some 12 miles from the capital city.

The body of Aloyisa Bernard was discovered on an inner stairway by her employer, Ryan Sampson, at around 17:00 hours.

Police believe that Bernard was attacked and killed while cleaning the house sometime between 09:00 hours and 17:00 hours.

It is believed that the perpetrators were burglars who had gained entry into the house through an open door, since there was no sign of forced entry.

The entire house, which is occupied by Sampson, his wife and two children, was ransacked and according to reports, the killers escaped with $80,000 cash and in excess of $200,000 in jewellery.

Bernard was alone in the house during most of yesterday.

Reading from a prepared statement, NCN announcer/producer Michella Abraham-Ali said that sometime during the day the house was burglarized and the housekeeper was murdered.

She declined to give further details.

Kaieteur News understands that while driving into the yard, Sampson observed that the back door to his home was open and became suspicious.

Upon checking, he found his maid lying motionless on the stairway

Tuesday, June 12, 2007