A dispute over money reportedly preceded the fatal attack on six-year-old Zi Feng Cao at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday, with the 76-year-old suspect telling investigators that he had gone to the child’s family’s business to collect money he claimed he had invested.

A source confirmed to Kiskadee Watch that Quan Sheng Li, a 76-year-old Chinese national, told investigators during a recorded interview that he went to Kenny’s Ocean Restaurant, located at Johnson Street, Parika, to recover money he claimed was owed to him.

According to the suspect’s account, an argument developed between him and Cao’s parents over the money. He reportedly told investigators that he had invested money in the business and that the family refused to return it.

A witness also told investigators that Li was at the restaurant speaking with Cao’s father before the child returned home from school.

The witness reportedly saw Cao, who was still dressed in his school uniform, enter the premises and approach the suspect. Shortly afterwards, the suspect allegedly left the passageway carrying a bladed weapon.

According to the source, Li told investigators that he had a knife in a bag and, after the child entered the yard, he took it out and attacked Cao before leaving the area.

The suspect later allegedly led Police to an area near Parika Junction, where he claimed he had discarded the weapon. Police subsequently recovered a chopper from a drain in the area.

CCTV footage from the restaurant and surrounding buildings was also obtained and is being reviewed as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Cao, a six-year-old student of Precious Lamb Primary School, was rushed to De Kinderen Regional Hospital following the attack but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Li remains in Police custody pending further investigations and is expected to be interviewed further with the assistance of a translator.

Cao’s body is awaiting a post-mortem examination.