Cops ID two shot murder suspects

Autopsy findings on two suspects who were shot dead by police hours after they murdered Cunupia businessman Darryl Painter confirmed the officers’ story that the bandits had guns in their hands when they were confronted. The suspects have been identified as Junior Noel, 32, of Freeport, and Anderson Aldo Deo Jnr, 27, of Princes Town. According to forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov the men were shot from the front and sustained defensive wounds to their left hands during the shootout with police. Alexandrov explained that when a person is being shot they usually use both hands to shield their body. However, in Noel and Deo’s cases, there were no defensive wounds to their right hands, which implies that they were holding onto something.

The shootout took place near the Preysal Flyover on Friday after officers led by Supt Johnny Abraham, Insp Terrence Williams and Sgt Jitindra Toolaram caught up with their getaway car along the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway shortly after Painter’s murder. Police also believe the men are responsible for the murder of Lance Corporal Rawle Fletcher last year. Fletcher, 34, his friend, Mitra Maharaj, 46, a businessman of Trent Drive, Orchard Gardens, Chaguanas, and Anil Diram, 19, were all shot dead outside a Couva bar on December 22. Noel and Deo’s killing came within 30 minutes after they murdered Painter, who was selling Valentine Day gifts along Southern Main Road, Cunupia. Alexadrov confirmed that Painter was shot twice from the back of the neck and 11 times about the rest of his body.