4 killed in 12 hours

Four shootings yesterday have pushed the murder toll to 11 and has left two people in critical condition. Around 2.30 am yesterday, police said 31-year-old Marvin Harewood, aka Akie, of Riverside Drive, La Puerta, Diego Martin, and his 25-year-old girlfriend returned home after attending a party in Chaguaramas. They were approached by two gunmen as they were about to enter the house. The men opened fire on the couple.

Both were rushed to the St James Health Facility where Harewood was pronounced dead on arrival. He was shot 11 times in his head, chest and back. His unidentified girlfriend was transferred to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital and is in critical condition. The gunmen escaped on foot. Senior Supt Ishmael David and Insp Henry Dann are investigating.

Tragedy struck about three hours after in Malabar, when two men were shot dead. Police officers discovered the bodies of Kerron Dickereau and Mark Joseph. Their bodies were found a short distance from each other. The shootings took place around 5 am. Officers lead by Supt Williams, Insps Wayne Baptiste, Jugmohan and Mark Maharaj responded. 

Dickereau’s body was found in a driveway on Trainline Road in Malabar. He lived at Malabar Extension. Police believe he was killed by a stray bullet.  A short distance away, Mark Joseph, 23, of Mahogany Drive was found dead on a mattress in an annex of his relatives’ home.  Investigators said Joseph and another man were asleep on the mattress when a gunman entered and shot Joseph in the face. He died on the spot.

The other man fled, and the gunman pursued him. The gunman continued shooting as he chased the unknown man. It is believed Dickereau was hit by a stray bullet while returning from a shop.  Relatives said Dickereau left home around 4 am to buy cigarettes and was returning home when he was killed. Police said the incident was a reprisal attack for recent crimes in the area.

An afternoon lime with friends claimed the life of Kelvin Brown of Third Street, Beetham Gardens. Around 3.15 pm, Brown was said to be standing on the corner of Second Street and Main Street liming with friends when he was approached by a gunman who shot at him several times. He died on the scene. In attempting to flee, the gunman pointed the gun at Brown’s friends and began shooting at them. 

They escaped without injuries but off-duty soldier, Private Chamakie Blackman was shot in his left knee. He was taken to Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he remains warded. ASP Ajith Persad is investigating.