An Arima man who knocked down and killed a pedestrian two months ago in Malabar, was robbed and shot dead on Saturday night near his girlfriend’s home in Arima on Saturday.
According to police reports, Kevon “Nosey” James, 30, of Kingdom Avenue, Maturita, was near his girlfriend’s home liming with friends during a celebration for her birthday, when he was approached by gunmen who robbed him of two gold chains and several gold rings before shooting him. Police said the incident took place close to midnight.
James was questioned and later released in the accidental death of 19-year-old Ezekiel Burton, of Old Trainline, Arima. Burton’s death was captured on CCTV cameras on August 6, around 7 am near Pro Sports Bar along the Malabar Extension Road.
In the video, Burton was seen attempting to cross the road after purchasing doubles. On seeing the oncoming vehicle, Burton tried to get out of the way but slipped on the wet road. He was hit and thrown into the air, landing several metres away. He died three days later at the intensive care unit of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, having never regained consciousness.
James, a labourer, was the driver of the black Honda Civic that struck Burton. He was questioned by police and later released.
Speaking with the media at her home yesterday, Lydia Garcia says she holds no malice towards those who maybe rejoicing in the demise of James, her first born and only son.
Garcia said the hardest thing since getting news of her son’s death is figuring out how to tell his two children about James’ murder. One of her grandchildren, she said, will be “celebrating” his seventh birthday tomorrow.
“I am numb right now because I am just hurting. I have no malice towards anyone in my heart. God is good and I leave everything in His hands. It (the accident) was hard for him there was a lot of comments after the accident but I want people to know it was an accident. My son did not see him (Burton) and just knock him down. Anyone who saw that video will see that,” Garcia said, adding that following the accident her son seldom ventured outside.
Garcia said following the accident, her son apologised to Burton’s mother. Residents of Kingdom Avenue described James as a “cool one.” The latest killing has taken the number of people murdered for the year to 363.