British High Commissioner Tim Stew said yesterday the High Commission “stands ready to provide support to the (Wheeler) family in this difficult time.”
In a telephone interview, he confirmed the deaths of British national Richard Wheeler and his wife Grace.
Stew, who described the double murder as a “tragic incident,” said it was “too early” to determine if there was any connection to any other crime that happened in Tobago.
Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said yesterday he had dispatched the head of the Homicide Bureau, ACP Vincel Edwards, and a team of investigators to Tobago to investigate the matter.
He said he did not have any feedback from the investigators and therefore could not say if the double murder was linked to any previous attacks against foreigners on the island.
In a statement yesterday, the Law Association described the incident as a “most vicious attack” and called for “an immediate and thorough investigation.” It also pleaded with members of the public to assist the police in providing the necessary information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
The association also expressed its “deep concern over the increase in the rate of murders” in T&T. The murder toll now stands at 350.
The association also expressed its condolences to the family of the Wheelers “for the tragic loss and urges the police to do all within its powers to bring the perpetrators before the courts where justice shall be served.”
The association described Richard Wheeler as a “distinguished member of the legal profession”.
Staff at the Lex Caribbean in Port-of-Spain were too distraught to speak when contacted yesterday.
A statement issued subsequently by Lex Caribbean partner, Bronock Reid, stated: “Richard and his wife, Grace, have fallen victim to the scourge of crime that negatively affects the lives of all of us here in Trinidad and Tobago.
“The news of their untimely passing is extremely shocking and distressing. For those of us who knew Richard and Grace, they will certainly be missed.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard’s family in this time of grief and pain as well as to his Lex family both in Tobago and in Trinidad. May Richard and Grace rest in peace.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact 800-TIPS, the Old grange Police Station at 639-8888 or the Tobago Homicide Bureau at 635-1649.