97-year-old man in love triangle dies after licks

Just three years short of celebrating his 100th birthday, a Marabella man involved in a love triangle with a 48-year-old woman died after he was beaten by the woman’s ex-boyfriend. Josiah Hudson Downes, 97, of Centeno Street, Marabella, died weeks after he was attacked at the woman’s home in Rousillac.

Initially, police believed he died of natural causes. However, an autopsy conducted on his body by Dr Hubert Daisley at the Forensic Science Centre on Thursday revealed that Downes died as a result of blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen and pulmonary embolism. Up to midday yesterday, homicide officers were searching for a 51-year-old suspect of Penal Rock Road. Investigators said around 9.30 pm on July 15, Downes went to visit the woman at her home when her ex-boyfriend also visited.

Police said an argument broke out between Downes and the suspect who is believed to have dealt him several blows about the body. Five days later, Downes complained about pains to his body. He was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was warded for 11 days. Police said the woman continued to care for Downes and on July 31, she went to his home and found him lying naked on the floor of his bedroom. He was again taken to the hospital where he died around 6 am on Wednesday.

Several of Downes’ neighbours yesterday expressed shock at his death. One man said Downes, despite his age, would cook and shop for himself. He said Downes lived alone. Most of his relatives migrated to England. “Mr Downes was always old but he used to walk the road and go to the market. “He did everything for himself but he also paid a caretaker to help him,” the neighbour added.  

Another woman, who requested anonymity, said Downes was a private person and did not mingle. The Rousillac woman was unavailable for comment yesterday. When the Guardian visited her home, one of her tenants said Downes was a regular visitor. Police said they would continue searching for the suspect. Corporal Seepersad and Pustam of the San Fernando Homicide Bureau are continuing investigations.