A horrific violence incident has shaken the Commewijne district of Suriname, leaving nine people dead and multiple injured in an overnight stabbing rampage. Acting Police Chief Melvin Pinas confirmed the devastating details in an official statement, revealing that the suspected perpetrator—a 43-year-old man identified only by initials D.A.—may have undergone psychiatric treatment previously.
The tragedy unfolded around 12:23 AM when police received an emergency call reporting a man armed with a knife attacking multiple victims along the Hadji Iding Soemitaweg near Tamasari. Richelieu police units were immediately dispatched to the scene.
First responders encountered a female witness who had provided shelter to a 16-year-old neighbor girl escaping with stab wounds. The teenager revealed her father had stabbed her siblings and that she managed to flee. Emergency services transported the injured girl to a hospital for urgent medical care.
Further investigation revealed a grisly scene: multiple victims with fatal stab wounds were discovered both on and around the property, all showing no signs of life. Shortly thereafter, police received additional reports of a knife-wielding man making threatening movements while walking toward Tamasari.
Officers located the suspect who resisted arrest despite repeated commands. Facing an immediately threatening situation, police utilized firearm force, striking the suspect in the legs. The injured man was taken into custody under police guard and transported to a medical facility.
The comprehensive casualty report confirms the victims include the suspect’s four children (aged 5 to 15) and five neighbors (ranging from 7 to 80 years old). Two additional stabbing victims remain hospitalized: the suspect’s 16-year-old daughter and a 72-year-old male neighbor.
Authorities have transferred the investigation to the Capital Crimes Division while Forensic Investigation and Technical Investigation units have secured evidence and confiscated camera footage for detailed analysis. All involved parties are being interviewed as the investigation continues.
Acting Chief Pinas expressed the Suriname Police Force’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the broader community affected by this unimaginable tragedy.