GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – A Guyanese businessman is accused of using a hammer to beat a customer to death during an argument over spilled drinks at a gaming centre located in the country’s capital, Georgetown on Wednesday evening.

The deceased man has been identified as 40-year-old Mark Braithwaite.

According to reports, around 7:45 pm, the suspect’s father, who owns and operates Blast Gaming Centre, left his son in charge of the business while Braithwaite, a regular customer at the establishment, was playing at one of the slot machines.

Sometime later, the 34-year-old businessman and Braithwaite had a misunderstanding over alcohol spilling on the countertop.

Braithwaite reportedly armed himself with several glass bottles and began hurling them at the businessman, who was in the bar behind a counter.

In turn, the businessman armed himself with a hammer and reportedly chased after Braithwaite. He reportedly dealt blows to Braithwaite’s head and face.

Braithwaite fell to the ground and remained motionless, police said. He was taken to the Bartica Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The body was examined and blunt wounds were observed to the right jaw area, above the right eye and to the forehead. The body is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The suspect was arrested and is presently in custody.