History, February 2, 1969 - The End of a Killer’s Reign of Terror

Charles "Charlie J" Gill the farmer who killed the "tiger" and relative Anthony "Uncle Loy" Yhap in a photo from the 1950s
Article from Guyana Graphic newspaper printed February 2, 1969

From the Guyana Graphic newspaper printed February 2, 1969


The End of a Killer’s Reign of Terror

A killer tiger which prowled the lower Demerara River ravaginging livestock and virtually kept villagers imprisoned in their homes after dark was finally shot and killed by a brave farmer.

For one year the cunning 8-foot beast plagued families destroying an estimated 120 cows, ten sheep and two dogs at Springfield and Endeavor.

Men, women, children were forced to remain indoors after dark until Mr. Charles Gill a farmer in the village put an end to this infamous saga.

Recalling the incident Mr. Gill told the Sunday Graphic “It was a memorable night. The tiger had killed one of my cows about 200 yards from my hoe and because I was occupied with other things I didn’t dispose of the carcass immediately”.

“Four hours later I found it missing but I found a trail. I took a friend Anthony Yhap and we were armed with guns.”

“We soon saw the carcass covered with bushes. This meant that the beast would soon return to eat it. Then we climbed a tree and waited. About midnight the creature returned and I took careful aim and shot him. The villagers ran out and began to beat the beast with sticks”

But there is still some fear in the villages because according to reports, the female partner of the dead male is lurking around.

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