A Penal man, described as a jovial and giving person, was shot dead at his vegetable and fruit stall yesterday morning.
Police are yet to determine a motive for the killing of Steve Stephenson, 39, a father of three also known as Puntas.
Police reports stated that around 8 am, Stephenson was at his vegetable stall along Penal Rock Road, a short distance from where he lives, when he was approached by a man who shot him several times. Residents who heard the gunshots called the police who found Stephenson bleeding on the ground. The police rushed him to the Siparia Health Centre where he died.
Stephenson lived with his wife, Leah, and their children—two boys and a girl, ages four, six and ten.
His brother-in-law, Barry Vincent, who was at his home when the Guardian visited, said Stephenson’s wife and other relatives went to the mortuary at San Fernando General Hospital, hoping to see his body.
Vincent said Stephenson’s murder was a shock to the entire family. He said Stephenson was “a jovial person who always laughing.” As far as he was aware, Stephenson got along well with everyone and had no enemies.
“He was an innocent fella, hard working. He was a giving fella. If you buy something at his stall, he will give you more than what you pay for.” He said Stephenson was extending his house and had already cast a flooring to build a bedroom for his daughter.
An autopsy is expected to be performed tomorrow at the Forensic Science Centre, Port-of-Spain.