A Fyzabad man suspected to be involved in last week’s murder of Victor Welch, which took place in the same district, was himself gunned down while sleeping with his girlfriend yesterday.
David Richards, 27, who was questioned by police for several murders and robberies in Moruga and southwest Trinidad between June and September last year, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Princes Town District Health Facility.
Reports stated that Richards, 27, of John Jules Trace, Fyzabad, was asleep at his 25-year-old girlfriend Tony Julien’s home at Figarie Trace, Basse Terre, Moruga, when he was shot.
Around 12.10 am, a masked gunman kicked open the door to their room and opened fire on the couple who were lying in a bed. Richards was hit multiple times on his upper body while Julien was struck on her left forearm.
Moruga police responded to the shooting and took Richards to the health facility. Julien was taken to the health facility by relatives and underwent treatment.
Investigating officers, led by ASP Pardasie, Insp Ramnarine and homicide detectives Lewis and Lutchman, processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. A search was also made for the suspect but no one was arrested up to yesterday afternoon.
Neighbours said they heard the banging, followed by several loud explosions. One man said when he heard the shots he hid under his bed. Relatives refused to speak when visited yesterday.
Police said Richards was well known to them, having been held for several robberies and was involved in organised crime. While no motive was established for his murder, they believe it was a result of the life he lived.
On December 30, last year Welch was shot dead while liming near a village parlour.