Man shot dead in gambling row

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud has confirmed that police are investigating a shooting death which occurred early this morning on Mandela Avenue during a $500 gambling row.

Persaud identified the dead man as Mansford Lewis, a grass-cutter of Sophia. He was shot in the face and back.

He said that the incident occurred around 12.30 am and that police are currently pursuing a suspect identified as ‘Kevin’ who fled after hearing that the man was dead.

Persaud explained that Lewis was at a shop on Mandela Avenue where illegal gambling takes place when there was an argument over $500. A fight soon developed on the roadway and it was during this time that Lewis was shot.

The suspect and a taxi driver, Persaud said, rushed the man to the Georgetown Hospital where he was pronounced dead. It was on hearing this that the suspect fled.

Asked if anything is known about the suspect, the crime chief said that checks will have to be done into his background.