GUANAPO BLOODSHED

“Dey dead and I doh know who do it,” were the words of one of the relatives of four people, including a ten-year-old girl, murdered at a house in the Heights of Guanapo on Thursday morning.

Police said gunmen forced their way into the family’s house and started shooting, killing four and injuring five.

Three different types of bullet casings were found in the house, leading police to believe there may have been at least three gunmen.

Police said there were bullet holes in multiple rooms, fuelling suspicion that the gunmen moved throughout the house, shooting at family members.

Police also noted that the rooms were separated by plywood partitions, suggesting some bullets could have passed through the walls before ending up in another room.

There were conflicting reports about the names and ages of those killed on Thursday, butthe ten-year-old was identified as Faith Peterkin.

Snr Supt Kerwin Francis of the TTPS Northern Division told Newsday three other victims were aged 14, 17 and 19.

The five hospitalised include two children,14 and 17, and three adults aged 18, 21 and 25.

Newsday was told several of the children who were shot were not supposed to be at the house. They lived one house away and had decided to spend the night at their cousins’ home.

Reporters trying to get more information were chased away by angry relatives, but residents said the gunmen moved stealthily, as they heard no sign of their presence until the gunshots.

One resident said the experience left her terrified, saying, “I hearing like galvanise rattling and we scared, because is only board house we have.”

The rural hilltop community was described as a quiet one.

When Newsday visited, a child was seen pushing his bicycle in the same yard, metres from the crime scene.

A farmer led his cows to pasture in the grassy area behind the house with a large heap of freshly cut grass  on his shoulder.

Construction workers arrived at a nearby worksite where a home was being built and went about their business with their backs to the police.

While some residents said they were worried about the safety of the village, others resumed their daily duties but refused to speak to the media.

One resident expressed dissatisfaction with the police response, as she believed more should be done in the hunt for the killers.

“It’s four children that they kill. Police and army should be here patrolling and looking for them. Police have to get serious, because it’s little children….it’s nice little children they killed.”

Another resident criticised the lack of police presence generally in the community.

“Police (are) never here. This is the most police we have seen. The only time we would see them if is something happen.”

However, Francis, in an interview on TV6’s Beyond the Tape programme, said there will be an increased police and army presence in the area.

He added, “These patrols will continue on an ongoing 24-hour basis until a level of normalcy is restored to the community."

Police Commissioner Erla Christopher and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds also came in for criticism, with one resident telling the media, “We need people who strict and will stand up.”

Christopher, in a subsequent press release, said, “We have no choice but to regroup and get on the ground to find the perpetrator(s) of the multiple murders.”

She appealed to anyone with information that would lead to the capture of those responsible to come forward.

Residents said while they expect an increased police presence, they still live in fear.

One resident said, “When is 7 o’clock I does lock my door.”

Another said her child has even suggested they move out of the community, as it was no longer safe.

Relatives of the victims were seen packing belongings into a waiting car.

Councillor for the Santa Rosa area Roger Moore confirmed some family members have decided to leave the area  for “their own safety and sanity.”

Moore said the move may be temporary until the family has completed the grieving process.

“One or two may go to another community or another relative, which I think is important. You need support and family support, so I think it is wise to go to another community or relative to assist them at this point in time.”

He expressed surprise over the incident, saying the community was “not usually so intense” with crime. He added, “There may be some situation happening in the community. I’m sure the police is looking to see what is going on and will do what is necessary to make sure safety is brought back to the community.”

Moore acknowledged the sense of fear in the community, but called for togetherness.

“It’s important that we cry and we deal with the grief as a community. However, I am certain that the TTPS and the institutions charged with the responsibility of rendering assistance to the community will come out and do what is necessary to bring back a state of normalcy.”

He added that he intends to see what assistance can be offered to the family.

“I will try and communicate with the MP…to see what type of assistance she can render. I’m also in the process of communicating with the Ministry of Social Development to see what type of assistance they can offer at this point in time, (perhaps) counselling.”