Farmer chopped to death with own cutlass (with CNC3 video)

The cutlass that farmer Soorace Sooklal used to defend himself against two attackers was used to hack him to death yesterday outside his home in Claxton Bay. Police have detained two men from Chaguanas in connection with the murder. They were held at the San Fernando General Hospital while seeking treatment for chop wounds. The men are now warded under police guard in serious condition.

They underwent surgery for the chop wounds they sustained when they allegedly confronted Sooklal at his home on St John’s Road, Claxton Bay, yesterday morning. Police said around 10.30 am, Sooklal, 46, was at his home when the two men approached and reportedly accused Sooklal of stealing animals. They got into an argument that escalated to a brawl, during which Sooklal whipped out a cutlass and chopped his attackers several times.

One was chopped on the neck, while the other was chopped on the hand. Investigators said the men wrestled the cutlass away from Sooklal, who ran into his neighbour’s front yard with the men in pursuit. Neighbours reported hearing Sooklal and the men arguing and saw Sooklal running from his house. Police said Sooklal was struck in the head with a concrete block and then chopped as he lay on the ground.

One Big Crime Day

Sooklal’s body was found almost 100 yards from his home, in his neighbour’s yard. District Medical Officer Dr Ragoobar visited the scene and pronounced Sooklal dead. Yesterday distraught relatives, who declined to be interviewed, watched as crime scene investigators checked for evidence. A female relative, who did not give her name, described Sooklal as a “good fella.” 

“He was not in anything…He used to mind he cows and pigs,” she said. Relatives comforted each as they stood behind the area cordoned off by red danger tape. Asst Supt Zamsheed Mohammed, Insp Matthew Noel, and acting Sgt Balram Roopnarine were among police who did preliminary investigations at the crime scene yesterday. Acting Cpl Rawle Burke is continuing investigations.