A police canine named King played a decisive role in the arrest of a man suspected of murdering his own uncle in Kween District after tracking him through a crowd of villagers before making a dramatic identification.
The suspect, Paul Chewanjeli, a resident of Chesakat Village in Binyinyi Sub-county, is being held by police in connection with the killing of 65-year-old Bushendish Micheal of Katan Village, Kaptum Sub-county.
According to police, officers attached to Siipi Police received a report of a suspected murder on the morning of June 28 and immediately responded to the scene.
Investigators secured the area before deploying the Police K9 Unit to assist with the search for the suspect.
Using scent collected from the crime scene, Police Dog King picked up a trail and navigated through a gathering of curious residents.
Witnesses watched as the canine repeatedly circled the crowd before stopping beside one man, lying next to him and refusing to move.
Community members identified the man as Chewanjeli Paul, who was immediately taken into custody.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim suffered a deep cut near the left side of the neck and several additional wounds on the same arm, injuries consistent with a violent attack. Detectives also established that the deceased was the suspect’s uncle.
As investigations intensified, police recovered a pair of trousers bearing suspected blood stains believed to belong to the suspect.
Investigators allege the clothing had been hidden at a neighbour’s home by the suspect’s wife.
They further believe she attempted to destroy key evidence by burning a pair of gumboots allegedly used during the commission of the crime.
Police say inquiries are continuing as detectives work to establish the motive behind the killing and determine whether any additional suspects could have been involved.
