Moruga protests continue over Saturday's police killing

Vowing to "keep their candles burning" until justice is served, residents of St Mary’s Village in Moruga took to the streets on Wednesday to express their anger over the police killing of 54-year-old Venrick “Myman” Hudlin.

With burning debris and placards, scores of residents blocked the Moruga Road near Gomez Trace junction at midmorning and called for justice.

Fire officers later cleared the debris so traffic flowed freely. Hudlin’s brother Justin Diaz said: “We do not want this killing to be swept under the rug. My brother was a loving man in this community. We want justice. We will not stay quiet about this.”Residents first protested on Monday.

Like other relatives, Diaz accused police investigators of trying to cover up the truth and giving false information to relatives.

Hudlin was reportedly shot on Saturday by an off-duty policeman during a confrontation near his home. Police said the policeman was defending himself from Hudlin, who had a cutlass.
Hudlin was taken to the Princes Town district health facility, where he died.

He worked as a watchman at a nearby wastewater treatment plant. He also did odd jobs like cutting grass.Resident Hesper Ali said, “Myman did not have a bad reputation. We cannot get him back, but we will fight on his behalf.”

Video footage circulating on social media shows a blue SUV pulled up next to Hudlin. Hudlin spoke briefly with someone in the car. He appeared to have raised his hand with the cutlass, and someone in the car started shooting. Hudlin fell into a drain.

Two men got out, lifted Hudlin and put him into the car. Funeral arrangements are being made.
The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has started an investigation into the death.

Witnesses or people with information can call the PCA at 226-4722 or e-mail staff at info@pca.org.tt.