(Trinidad Guardian) – Two men were murdered within a 24-hour period, bringing the total murders for the year, up to late on Wednesday to 114.
They are Randy Prescod of Diego Martin and Salim Benoit of Malabar. On the scene yesterday residents of North West Road, Patna Village uttered comments such as: “Is just another badman dead from Patna Village. “One plate (of food) less. “Same old same old, nothing new. “Just one more less to talk about.” The statements were made as undertakers removed the body of Randy Prescod, which was found in some bushes near his home with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. He was shot five times.
But Prescod, 22, police said, was no stranger to them. They confirmed that Prescod was wanted by Cumuto police in connection with a robbery in the district. He was also being sought by Western Division detectives in connection with the disappearance of a man from that area, who police believe, was murdered.
Shortly before midday on Wednesday, several loud explosions were heard coming from a hilly area. Police said when residents checked, they discovered Prescod’s body. At the murder scene, Prescod’s relatives declined to speak with reporters. A motive is yet to be established for the killing.
Meanwhile, Northern Division Homicide Bureau officers are investigating the shooting death of 27-year-old murder suspect Salim Benoit, of All Stars Crescent, Malabar, Arima who succumbed to his injuries at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex on Tuesday night. Benoit, police said, was the second suspect wanted in connection with the killing of 20-year-old James Jay-Z Howard. Howard of Ackbarali Drive, Malabar, was shot dead at Melodians Crescent on March 2. Another man has already been charged with Howard’s killing. Investigators said around 2.30 pm Tuesday, Benoit was liming with his girlfriend at a basketball court, opposite the Larry Gomes Stadium, when he was shot. Police said the assailant approached from behind and shot Benoit eight times about the body.
