Former Guyana-born US professor killed, items stolen

A Guyana-born  retired United States (US) professor was Thursday night killed at his home in Prashad Nagar and a large quantity of valuables were carted off, police sources said.

Dead is 75-year old Pairadeau “Perry” Mars, a former professor in Ethnic Studies at the Detroit, Michigan-based Wayne State University.

Investigators said his bound and gagged body was found in his study at his home located at 395 Bissessar Street, Prashad Nagar at about 7 PM by his wife, Joan. His mouth, hands and neck were  taped.

The perpetrators, including women, were seen leaving Mars’ home with several suitcases in a vehicle believed to have contained booty.

Mars’ killing is the latest serious and high profile crime, although the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Security have said that the statistics show that there has been a decrease in serious crimes.

Having studied history at the University of Guyana and Carelton University in Ottawa, Canada, he went on to work at Africana Studies at Wayne State University. He was also credited with developing an international academic exchange project between Africana Studies, the College of Urban Labor and Metropolitan Affairs (CULMA), and the University of Guyana.