A 38-year-old miner was today charged with the murder of a woman, whose skeletal remains were recently discovered at a trail in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

James Allen of Two Friends Village, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and was not required to plea to the charge, which alleged that between June 28, 2018, and July 8, 2018, at Thomas Island, Bartica Allen murdered Petal Hafez.

He was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for August 16.

According to reports, Hafez was employed as a cook at camp where Allen worked and the two were involved in a relationship.

However, the woman ended the relationship after an argument with Allen on June 28 and she was never seen again.

On July 8, a Security Guard employed by a mining company, discovered a human skull and bones, clad in only a brassier.

The body was later identified as Hafez. News Room understands that Allen was arrested by investigators and he allegedly confessed to killing the woman and dumping her body.