3 double murders push murder tally to 200

Corey Connelly and Andrew Gioannetti

In the space of less than 24 hours, six people were shot dead in three separate incidents across the country.

In one instance a mother and son were killed at their Tunapuna home on Friday night. Hours later, two brothers were shot dead during a fight at Les Coteaux, in Tobago.

The third double murder took place at Almond Drive, in Morvant shortly after 3 pm. A third man who was shot in that incident remains warded in hospital.

In a separate incident, the body of a man was found in Wallerfield, two days after he was reportedly shot during the sale of illegal guns.

According to police, four men went to the area to sell two guns around 11 pm on June 4. During the illegal transaction, shots were fired at the men and one of them was reportedly injured as well as another man who fled the scene.

Police returned to the scene on Saturday and found the body of Rondell Bramble in some bushes off the road.

According to the police statistics, the latest killings have pushed the number of people who have been murdered this year to 200. For the corresponding period last year there were 218 reported murders, according to police official statistics.

Police did not release the identities of the three Morvant victims and declined to provide any information surrounding the daylight gun attack at housing development commonly referred to as nine storeys.

In Tunapuna, police were called out to Cornelius Drive, Tunapuna Road, around 7.45 pm after neighbours reported hearing gunshots in the area.

Officers went to the home of 19-year-old Keron Theroulde, also known as "Juice" where they found him and his mother Kathleen Theroulde, 56, bleeding from gunshot wounds.

Police called in a district medical officer who declared victims dead.

About three hours later, Tobago was jolted as news spread of the shooting deaths of brothers Kelton and Kenywn James – the first murder victims for this year.

Police said around 10.30 pm, they were travelling in a white van along Providence Road with one of their nephews, who reportedly got into a confrontation with some men earlier in the night when the attackers were spotted near to the Wise Choice Supermarket.

According to police reports, Kenwyn, who was driving the van, stopped the vehicle and the brothers approached the men.

Police said one of the men pulled out a gun and fired shots at them.

The brothers slumped to the ground and died from their injuries.

Ag Snr Supt, Tobago Division, Sterling Roberts told Sunday Newsday his officers are working on several leads.

“We were really trying hard not to have a homicide in Tobago for 2020 and to me this is a senseless killing and a disappointment for Tobago,” he said.

Last year, the island recorded 12 murders.

Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis said he is saddened by the tragedy.

“I awoke to the news very early this morning (Saturday) because I went to bed a bit early last night (Friday). So, I only found out this morning (Saturday),” he said.

“It is always a tragedy of immense proportions when citizens lose their lives in violent circumstances.”

Dennis called for swift justice.

“I hope the police is able to do its work in the kind of way that will bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.”

He also urged Tobagonians to be vigilant.

“Exercise not only caution but also care and concern for one-another.”