Three months after being accused of killing a reputed south drug kingpin, Dareem Payne was gunned down while walking through a track in La Brea yesterday.
Payne, 24, of Cassava Alley, Three Hands, La Brea, died around 10.30 am while undergoing treatment at the Point Fortin Area Hospital. Police said he was walking along an alley off Bernard Street, La Brea, when he had a dispute with a man who shot him in the chest and abdomen.
Up to late yesterday, police combed the deserted alleys of La Brea in search of the suspect and the murder weapon. Several homes were also searched.
Investigators said Payne was a suspect in the murder of Curtis Williams, 50, better known as Papa Willie, who was shot dead at his Railway Road, La Brea, home on January 15.
However, Payne’s family disputed the police’s information. Williams was shot dead in his fortified home by a man who gained access to the house by holding a baby in his arms.
Speaking at the family’s home yesterday, Payne’s sister Rachel said he died while protecting two of his friends.
“They had an issue with a man and they told Dareem about it and he warned them to stay out of trouble. He tell them if they want their belongings back, he will get it back for them. He died because he tried to play hero,” Rachel said.
She added that Payne tried to change his life but old grievances always had a way of coming back to haunt him.
“People say he was involved in Papa Willie’s death, they blame him for plenty wrong things. If police had shot him, I would not have minded but the man who shot him is someone who we fed and who we grew up with,” Rachel said.
Describing Payne as a kind person, Rachel said although he had issues with others, he was very good to his family.
“He was not someone who could see his neighbours or friends hungry. If he have anything he would share it. Don’t tell Dareem you hungry because he would give you whatever he has,” Rachel said.
His mother, Rhona Payne, said her son tried to change his life and was looking forward to attending Borough Day festivities in Point Fortin later this year.
Up to late yesterday officers were still searching for the suspect whose car was found abandoned near the La Brea cemetery. Payne’s body has been removed to the Forensic Science Centre in Port-of-Spain where an autopsy will be done today.
Sgt Nemai, Ag Sgt Gookool and Cpl Ramlochan of the La Brea police station visited the scene and are continuing investigations.