(Trinidad Express) Three men were killed while six were shot during separate incidents in north Trinidad between 9 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. yesterday.
As a result the year’s murder toll stood at 190 up to last night according to an Express count.
The corresponding murder toll last year was 209.
Police said the first murder occurred around 9 p.m. when the victim, Dennis Maule, a security officer was on duty at a National Petroleum gas station at the corner of Richmond Street and Tragarete Road, Port of Spain.
A man described by police as a homeless person asked Maule if he could clean the windows of the station for a fee.
The man, 52, was told by Maule that the gas station was closed.
This led to an argument between the two men.
It escalated into a scuffle during which the man pulled out a knife and stabbed Maule.
Maule moved away but ran in front of a car and was struck.
People who noticed the commotion called the police and a team of officers led by ASP Ajith Persad and Insp Wayne Boyd rushed over to the gas station.
Maule was taken by the police to the Port of Spain General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Other officers captured the man and took him to the Central Police Station for further questioning.
Investigations are continuing.
The other incident, this time in Laventille, also occurred around 9 p.m.
Police said around that time a group of men were playing a game of dominoes along Telemaque Lane off St Paul Street when four other men approached the group and opened fire.
The men who all reside in the area were struck by bullets.
They were identified as Jamal James, 28; Kurt Seales, 37; Ibi Miggins, 35; Michael Francis, 22; Joseph James, 22; Hayden Hutchinson, 44; and Trevor Williams, 49.
Officers said Jamal James was hit multiple times and died on the scene.
The other six were taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital but according to police, James’ brother, Joseph James, remains in critical condition at the hospital.
Around 8 a.m. the third incident occurred when residents of Oropune Gardens in east Trinidad heard several gunshots following which they found the body of a man lying at the side of a road.
The victim was later identified as Patrick Romain aged 27.
Police said that he was a labourer and he lived in Curepe.
Up to last night the police were unable to say why he was shot.
All three bodies are expected to be examined at the Forensic Science Centre tomorrow.
