Imani Blackett’s ambition of becoming a cattle farmer and purchasing his own car died with him yesterday as he was gunned down while working at his cousin’s parlour.
Blackett, 22, of Thornhill Drive, Cocoyea Village, San Fernando was said to be loving and kind-hearted towards his family and never got involved in altercations.
It was why relatives were confused as to why he met such a violent demise. Rain was pouring around 12.30 pm when a silver pick-up truck stopped in front of the parlour at the corner of Forres Avenue and St Andrews Avenue, Cocoyea.
Eyewitnesses said that a gunman jumped out the van and opened fire on Blackett. The youngster was only able to reach just outside the door before he fell into a clump of grass and died.
San Fernando CID, Mon Repos Police and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region III, including Insp Gajadhar, Insp Corrie, Insp Figaro, Sgt Ramlogan and Cpl Bacchus responded.
Searches were made throughout the community for the suspect and the pickup. Up to late yesterday, neither was found.
Police said Blackett was not known to be involved in crime.
As friends, family and relatives gathered near the crime scene, tears flowed openly while some others stood in disbelief.
Blackett’s father, Francis Blackett, said that he was at home when he heard the gunshots. When he looked out, he saw a pick-up driving off. It was only when a neighbour came to him that he found out that his son was killed.
“He didn’t use to interfere with anybody. He never used to look for trouble. I know some people don’t like to see other people progress and they would fight you down but I don’t know if that was the reason,” Blackett said.
In a separate incident, police are also investigating the shooting of three men in Point Fortin on Sunday night. Reports are that Glenroy London, Ricardo Mohammed and another man who was identified only as Turbo, were gambling at a house in Warden Road.
Around 11 pm, gunmen opened fire on the house, wounding all three men. The men were taken to the Area Hospital, Point Fortin and transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital where they were warded in serious conditions.