Cousin of boy, 15, shot dead in Arouca recalls hearing news

A relative of murdered 15-year-old Akid Duke says the news of his death was so shocking he thought it was a dream.

Duke, of Port of Spain, was shot dead while waiting in a car for his mother in Bon Air Gardens, Arouca on Monday afternoon.

Newsday spoke on Wednesday with his cousin Tracy Ferguson at the Forensic Science Centre, St James. Ferguson said he did not believe the news when he first heard about the shooting.

"I was sleeping at the time and the phone call from the relatives woke me up.

"At first I thought I was still dreaming when I heard what happened, but I realised this was real."

Ferguson said Duke's mother was too emotional to visit the centre to identify the body on Wednesday.

He said Duke, who is from Nelson Street, was a fourth form student of South East Port of Spain Secondary School, had a passion for football, and dreamed of creating a better life for his family.

"He was one of the nicest people you could know.

"He was well-liked by everyone in the community. Right now I'm just praying the Father can give me the strength to get through this."