Relatives: Murder victim not a 'pest'

Fabian Joseph, the 39-year-old man who was shot dead on Haig Street on Tuesday night is not a “pest,” said relatives, and they called on people claiming that he was to bring evidence of their claims.

Speaking to Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James relatives admitted that Joseph, who was also known as “Gangster” was known to police, but had only been arrested for possession of marijuana.

“Yes he was known to the police. He was arrested. That is not a secret. But the statement that he was a 'pest,' I don’t know where that come out from. I don’t know him to be that kind of person,” said one relative.

“If the police said he was a pest how come he was never convicted of any crime? A pest is someone who have prior convictions. Sometimes people only paint a picture to reflect their side. They just say what they hear but they are not going on fact.”

Relatives described Joseph, a father of four and a contractor, as a loving and jovial person. They said he got his nickname as a little boy, because he walked and talked like an adult.

“Sometimes people would have a name and others would look at it negatively. But a name could have different meanings. We called him Gangster because he was outspoken and would stand up for others.”

Relatives added he was the father of a 16-year-old girl who will be sitting CSEC this year.

Relatives said they did not know why he was killed but noted that he recently got government contracts to construct pavements and build box drains in the area.

Reports indicate that about 8 pm on Tuesday, residents heard gunshots and found Joseph on the ground bleeding.

Police were alerted but he died as a result of his gunshot wounds.