A Valencia man who refused the request of an armed bandit to pass over his cash, jewelry and cellphone was shot and killed on Wednesday night after the bandit locked his wife, child and friend in another room of his house.
Joseph Maloney, 37, of Cassia Drive, died after being shot several times about his body.
Wife Koreen Bernard, son Malakai and his friend, whose name was not given, escaped without any injuries but remain traumatised yesterday.
Police reported that around 10.20 pm on Wednesday, Maloney was at home in company with his wife, son and friend, when a gunman walked into his house, announced a hold-up and demanded cash, jewellery and cellphones.
Maloney told the gunman he had nothing of value and the intruder then took him, his wife, son and friend into a room. The bandit then left the others in the room and locked it as he took Maloney to search the rest of the house.
When nothing was found the angered bandit began to beat Maloney with his gun butt. When Maloney repeated he had no valuables the bandit shot him in his neck, head and face.
The killer then left the house and disappeared into nearby bushes. A party of police officers responded to a call from residents at Cassia Drive. When they arrived they found a crowd gathered at the house with people hugging and screaming.
When they went inside they found Maloney dead on a bed. District Medical Officer Dr Linin Sanduarapu viewed the body and ordered its removal to the Sangre Grande District Hospital mortuary.
Both Bernard, her son and the friend were said to have received counselling yesterday.
Neighbours told police they saw a man dressed in black running along the road towards the bushes after hearing the gunshots. They said when they went to the house they heard screaming and later discovered the survivors in a room after kicking down the door.
Visiting the scene were Ag Insp Ken Lutchman, Sgt Lopez, Cpl Singh, PCs Shiva Buchoon, Amit Samuel, Rayon Charles, Sylvester and Bedessie.
Homicide officers are investigating.
RALPH BANWARIE