Dad slits throat after threat to kill three kids

A 51-year-old man slit his throat after police rescued his three children whom he locked in their Erin home on Sunday and had threatened to kill. Arthur Joseph, a housebuilder, stabbed himself in the abdomen and died on arrival at the Point Fortin Area Hospital. Police found the gasline to the stove was severed, leading them to believe he planned to set the house on fire with himself and the children in it. Police said Joseph and his wife had marital problems and she left him with the children, ages nine, 10, and 15, a few days ago.
However on Sunday, at around 11 am, he telephoned her, threatening to kill himself and children if she did not return home. The woman immediately made a report to the Erin Police.

Within minutes, Cpl Deosaran and PC Smith arrived at the house at La Union Road, Carapal Village. The house was locked but Deosaran was able to speak to Joseph through a window.   Meanwhile, PC Smith went to the back of the house where he made contact with the children who opened the back door. Smith then escorted them to safety. Police said when Joseph realised what had happened he slit his throat with a knife. As he stumbled out of the house, he slashed his abdomen. The children were later reunited with their mother. An autopsy was performed on Joseph’s body at the Forensic Sciences Centre, Port of Spain, yesterday. Investigations are continuing.