As the nation celebrated its 53rd anniversary of independence, the families of four men who were killed yesterday were in mourning.
While police did not release the identities of two victims whose bodies were found dumped at the side of Mc Bean Local Road, Couva yesterday, relatives believe they are Jason Lightfoot and Andy Maharaj, who were reported missing since Friday.
Lightfoot and Maharaj, a father of one, were last seen after they left their Hasarath Road, Cunupia home to visit Maharaj’s brother-in-law in St Mary’s, Freeport.
According to police reports, around 6.45 am yesterday, Central Division officers received information about two bodies lying at the side of the road, in Couva.
Officers of the Couva CID, lead by PC Flaviney responded and found the men, one of African decent and the other of East Indian descent, with their hands and feet bound.
They both had gunshot wounds to the head.
District Medical Officer Dr Indarjit Birjah visited the scene and ordered the bodies be removed to the San Fernando Mortuary.
Relatives of the two missing men visited the mortuary yesterday but were told today to view the bodies.
And in separate incidents, Homicide officers were called in to investigate the deaths of two men in Barataria yesterday.
Police said Kevon Smith was liming outside a house party at Sixth Avenue around 2 am when gunmen walked up to him and opened fire.
The gunmen then escaped into a waiting vehicle, a report said.
In the second incident, residents at Third Avenue, Upper Barataria, said they heard screams around 5.30 am.
When they checked they saw John Godfrey lying on the roadway with multiple stab wounds. He died on the spot. Police said they are still working on the motive for their deaths.
Their bodies were viewed by the district medical officer who ordered them removed to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy.
The latest murders have taken the toll to 279 for the year.