Ken Faria, a 49-year-old Community Relations Officer from Culvert City, Central Rupununi, Region Nine, has been charged with the murder of Leon Baird. Faria appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday before Magistrate Faith McGusty, where he was remanded to prison without having to enter a plea. The case has been adjourned until March 31, 2026.
Leon Baird, a well-known tour guide, went missing on Friday, January 23, after he left a ranch to search for cattle. His partially burned remains were discovered the following day inside a torched vehicle in the savannah.
Authorities confirmed that Baird’s body was located in a burnt vehicle near Wichabai Ranch along the eastern bank of the Rupununi River. A post-mortem examination revealed that he died from burns sustained while he was still alive before the fire was set. DNA samples were collected as part of the identification process.
During subsequent investigations, law enforcement uncovered the remains of two cattle believed to have been shot, along with a knife and spent shotgun shells. Investigators suspect that Baird may have encountered individuals involved in cattle rustling shortly before his death.
Relatives of Baird have indicated that he had previously received threats from men he met while working near Wichabai Ranch, where he was employed. These encounters were thought to be connected to ongoing cattle theft issues affecting the local communities.
