The murder toll climbed to 534 on Monday evening, following the shooting death of a Barataria man at the home of the Pamberi Steel Orchestra in San Juan.
The deceased has been identified as Steffon “Turtle” Garrick, 40, of Eighth Street, Barataria.
Garrick’s close friend Mario Clarke and his nephew Shane Clarke were also shot several times during the attack. Both relatives were hospitalised in a critical condition up to last night.
While Garrick’s sister was too distraught to visit the scene yesterday, his cousin identified the CEPEP worker’s body before it was removed by the undertakers.
Officers on patrol responded to reports of gunfire at the popular location along the Santa Cruz Old Road, which boasts a club where rehearsals usually take place from 5 pm daily.
Upon arrival, they found Garrick lying motionless, while Shane Clarke was found leaning against the side of the building. He had been shot in the lower limbs and back.
Mario Clarke was found lying a short distance away bleeding from gunshot wounds to the back.
Shane was taken to hospital by the police, while Mario was assisted by a civilian who lives nearby.
Officers said Shane Clarke had no fixed place of abode, while Mario Clarke was said to be living along the banks of the San Juan River, which runs behind the pan yard.
It is believed the killer/s ambushed the three men as they were liming at the back of the building – and would have come from across the river in order to catch them by surprise.
A handful of people at the panyard expressed anger, as they said the venue is usually filled with youngsters who are preparing for a Christmas play on December 11.
One man described the panyard as a cultural centre where various activities take place every day.
Another, who appeared resigned about the crime situation, spoke of how unsafe it was now and especially more so as the Christmas season approaches.