Murdered Tunapuna market vendor begged killer for mercy

Relatives of slain market vendor Michel Diaz believe he might have known his killer, as he made one last call for his life to be spared.

Diaz, 35, was shot dead outside his Tunapuna Road, Tunapuna, home at around 7.30 pm on Tuesday while he was taking out the garbage.

Speaking with Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Wednesday, one of Diaz's relatives, who asked not to be named, said she did not know why anyone would want him dead, describing him as an easy-going, family-oriented man.

She said Diaz was doing some Christmas cleaning when he was gunned down.

A relative was inside at the time and heard Diaz's last words to his killer.

"She was on the other side of the door when she heard Michel saying, 'Don't shoot me,' so it's possible he knew who his killer was.

"He was the family entertainer. He was a good young man and everyone loved him."

The relative said Diaz's infant child was inside the house at the time.

She called on his killers to apologise to the family and seek forgiveness from God.

"I personally want that person to repent and apologise to us.

"I want them to tell us why they killed him. He had people who loved him."

No one has been arrested for Diaz's murder.

Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region II is continuing enquiries.