Police say probing death of St Ignatius tour guide
The police today said that they are investigating the discovery of the partially charred remains of Leon Baird, 38, a tour guide of St. Ignatius Village, found along the eastern bank of the Rupununi River in close proximity to Wichabai Ranch, South Rupununi on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
It was the first police statement on the matter since the discovery of the remains and comes amid growing concern that Baird was killed because he stumbled upon cattle rustlers.
The police said that investigations revealed that a burnt vehicle was found on the eastern bank of the Rupununi River with what appeared to be partially charred remains of a human body inside. The remains were removed and transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday January 27, 2026, by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as burns and indicated that the victim was alive prior to the fire. The body was subsequently handed over to relatives for burial. DNA samples were also obtained as part of the ongoing investigation.
During subsequent enquiries in the area, police also discovered the remains of two head of cattle nearby, suspected to have been shot. Items of evidential value, including a knife and spent shotgun shells, were recovered and lodged as part of ongoing examinations.
No arrests have been made. Investigations are continuing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, the release said.
