A Guyanese social media influencer was critically injured late Saturday in a drive-by shooting outside her East Ruimveldt home, authorities said.
Lolita Callender, known online as Lola Doll, 33, was shot multiple times just before midnight while seated in her car at the front of her residence, the Guyana Police Force said in a statement. She was transported to Georgetown Public Hospital in critical condition.
Police said preliminary information indicates a male gunman on a motorcycle fired at Callender. The force announced on Sunday afternoon that investigators have identified a suspect, Paul Daby Jr., who is wanted for attempted murder in connection with the shooting. Officers are reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the area and continuing searches for the gunman, the statement said.
Authorities reported that Callender sustained multiple wounds, including to the neck, face, hands and right leg. Police did not provide further details on her condition beyond describing it as critical. No motive has been established and the investigation remains active.
Callender rose to prominence on social media, where she bills herself as Lola Doll and has more than 52,000 followers on Instagram. She promoted her music and appeared at public events and parties in revealing attire, and she has featured in several music videos for songs such as "Snatched" and "Cement Body," which have drawn hundreds of thousands of views online.
The Guyana Police Force did not immediately say whether it had any information that would suggest the attack was related to Callender’s online profile or her public appearances. Investigators are appealing to members of the public with information or footage from the area around East Ruimveldt near the time of the incident to come forward.
Drive-by shootings and attacks on public figures have drawn heightened attention in Guyana in recent years, prompting police to increase patrols in some neighborhoods, officials have said in past statements. The force has not linked this incident to other recent violent crimes.
The case is being handled by local detectives, who are examining video evidence and seeking witnesses. Police advised anyone with information about Paul Daby Jr.’s whereabouts or the shooting itself to contact the Guyana Police Force as the probe continues.