Relative in Arima shooting death still in custody

A 61-year-old man who was arrested in relation to the shooting death of his relative Allan Stoute was still in police custody as of Monday afternoon.

Investigators are still looking into the shooting.

Stoute, 38, was shot dead at his home at Mt Pleasant, Arima, last Thursday morning.

The police said during an argument, Stoute approached the relative with a cutlass, and the man shot him once in the chest.

Stoute died on arrival at the Arima hospital.

Police said the relative has not yet been charged as investigators await instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Asked how long someone can be held without being charged, an officer said a suspect could be held for up to 72 hours after arrest, but longer if granted permission by a judge.

"In the first incident we have 48-72 hours to hold someone.

"Then we can apply to a judge to extend the period. I've seen people remain in custody for up to two weeks but that is based on a judge granting permission."