Amateur footballer shot dead by robbers in Albouystown

An amateur footballer was fatally shot yesterday morning in Albouystown after he chased behind two men who robbed him of a gold chain and cash.

Police have since launched an investigation and Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken told Stabroek News that they are seeking two suspects in the death of Paul Anthony Daniels, 39, who was a painter/plumber, of Schoonord, West Bank Demerara.

Stabroek News was told that the robbery and shooting took place between 6.20 am and 6.30 am at Lot 253 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Paul Anthony Daniels

Police, in a statement, said Daniels had just arrived at the home of his girlfriend, Christine Castillo, and was watching television when the two robbers, including one armed with a gun, entered through a northern door that was left opened.

Daniels was relieved of the gold chain, which he was wearing and an undisclosed of cash.

The spot where Paul Daniels was shot yesterday morning

Police added that Daniels made an attempt to retrieve the stolen items and chased behind the men, who shot him to his chest. While the men hopped on their bicycles and escaped, Daniels was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to Natalie, (only name given), the mother of Castillo, Daniels had picked her daughter up from work and brought her home.

“Is come they come and they deh lie down and they (robbers) march in the house and tek away the chain and he left stunted and my daughter call for she brother and when he and Paul come same time they shoot he,” the woman recounted.

Albouystown residents were visibly upset over the death of Daniels, whom they described as a peaceful individual. Daniels had been visiting the community for four years since he started the relationship with Castillo and he had gained the respect of residents.

Daniels’ grieving girlfriend, Christine Castillo

“They only killing people children… I don’t know why they can’t go and work for they own thing… leh they go and do some guard wuk or something… always thieving,” a woman said.

“I live at the back and I hear a noise like a transformer explode and I just run outside I saw Paul lying down there (pointing to the scene). They shoot him to his heart. It was one gunshot,” Natasha Williams, a resident recalled.

Blood stained the floor where Daniels fell after being shot and a pillow that was used to absorb the gushing blood remained at the scene. It was also observed that a zinc gate was perforated by pellets from the shot fired.