A midnight altercation at Plantation Caracas, West Canje-commonly known as High Dam-has left two men dead and a woman hospitalized in what police describe as a brutal chopping incident that has shaken the New Amsterdam community.

The deceased have been identified as Leon Fordyce, 45, a local labourer, and Shawn Timothy La Fleur, 35. Anganisha Newyear, a 40-year-old mother of eight, remains hospitalized at New Amsterdam Hospital, recovering from serious injuries.

According to preliminary investigations, the violence erupted late Sunday night following a heated argument over the paternity of a two-month-old child. Fordyce and Newyear, who shared a common-law relationship, were reportedly at the center of the dispute. Witnesses say the confrontation escalated rapidly, leading to a deadly exchange.

Neighbours recounted being startled awake by cries for help shortly after midnight. By the time relatives and community members arrived at the scene, both Fordyce and La Fleur had suffered fatal wounds. La Fleur was found unresponsive on the roadway, having sustained a severe head injury.

Family members of La Fleur revealed that tensions had been simmering for some time, with the paternity of the infant in question fueling ongoing disputes between the parties involved. In the aftermath of Newyear’s injuries, her relatives allegedly retaliated, resulting in La Fleur’s death.

Fordyce was reportedly closing his roadside shop when he was attacked and killed. The incident has left the usually quiet neighbourhood in shock, with residents expressing concern over the escalation of domestic disputes into deadly violence.

Police have confirmed that a suspect is in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are piecing together the sequence of events that led to the fatal confrontation, while the wider community mourns the loss and prays for the recovery of the injured.

The tragedy has reignited calls for conflict resolution resources and greater support for families facing domestic strife in the region.