T&T robbery victim chokes to death on boxer shorts

(Trinidad Express) A 69-year-old Gasparillo man choked on his boxer shorts which were stuffed in his mouth by robbers during a home invasion early Friday morning.

Andre Joachim, of Fifth Street, Springlands, was found dead at his home around 2 a.m. by police officers.

Police said around 1.30 a.m. they received a call to the station from a woman with a Jamaican accent, informing them that a robbery was in progress.

The woman, whom police said identified herself as Joachim’s girlfriend, said three men had entered the house and announced a hold-up.

However, when police arrived at the scene, they said they found only Joachim dead in a bedroom.

His body was nude, with hands tied and his underwear was in his mouth.

Police said the house was ransacked.

Relatives told investigators they were unable to determine if anything was taken from the house since he lived alone.

Police said they have not found the woman who made the call to the police station, but neighbours believe she was Joachim’s housekeeper.

An autopsy conducted yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre by Dr Valery Alexandrov concluded that he died as a result of asphyxia.

Joachim, a father of ten, was a retired electrical technician offshore with National Gas Company.

Police said they were told he was also a former wrestler. On Thursday, Joachim visited the South Bureau of the Express to place a classified advertisement for the rental of a beach house he own in Mayaro.

Staff described him as “a very likeable person”. His murder has taken the toll to 201, according to an Express tally.

Southern Division Homicide officer Corporal Elvis is investigating.