NEIL Bovell, who was a fugitive from justice since starting a reign of terror at Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, was shot and killed yesterday, during a confrontation with Police at his father’s home in the village.
Villagers, who had lived in fear, for three years and three months, breathed a sigh of relief at the news.
Acting on information, Police ranks descended on the house and cornered Bovell about 10:40 h.
His father was arrested and remained in custody up to press time.
Bovell was wanted for a series of crimes, including rape, murder and robbery under arms, Police said, after his body was taken to West Demerara Regional Hospital mortuary.
Stanleytown folks said they are happy they can now return to the backlands and resume farming without being afraid.
A woman who lives not far from where the criminal was slain said she was most happy because Bovell had raped her relative and what he did to the Bernard family on October 4, 2003, was horrible.
Bovell kidnapped 22-year-old teacher Velda Bernard, murdered her father, Vernon Bernard, 64, then set their house ablaze.
Most women in the West Bank Demerara area were very fearful of Bovell after his rape of some and he often lurked around the village and snatched unsuspecting females.
Other residents echoed similar views, pleased to be able to walk around the village freely and not in fear of the dangerous criminal who terrorised them.
Bovell, an ex-cop, was implicated in at least two murders, kidnappings and the burning of a house belonging to one of his victims.
He was in the headlines again when identified as the man who abducted and raped a 32-year-old West Coast Demerara woman on August 14, 2003.
Bovell reportedly grabbed the woman at gunpoint in her boyfriend’s house just after the man had left for work, raped and held her hostage for hours before she managed to escape.
Previously, the Police issued a wanted bulletin for Bovell in connection with the murder of his reputed wife, Phillipa Harrison, on September 6, 2003.
In October 2005, Police offered a $1M reward for information leading to Bovell’s arrest.