CCTV footage caught the killing suspect A former Syrian commando has reportedly confessed to the fatal stabbing of gay Westport man Charles Jones in an apartment in the Thai resort of Pattaya. Mohammad Shanar Ryad, 21, was arrested a week ago, four days after Jones, 56, was killed. Investigators have told local media Ryad, who entered Thailand on a United Nations refugee visa, admitted to stabbing Jones 20 times with a pocket knife and slitting his throat during a violent argument. Ryad claims he stabbed Jones only after being threatened at knifepoint with rape, after he refused his proposition for sex. However Ryad is alleged to be a professional thief who preyed upon gay tourists. Jones' laptop computer, smartphone and watch were in his possession when he was arrested. He had also changed his appearance, cutting his hair and sporting new clothes. Jones is being farewelled at a funeral in Westport today.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 3rd September 2011 - 11:01am