[UPDATED] Teenager killed in Diego Martin, metres from police station

A teenager became the country’s latest murder victim when he was shot dead metres away from the Four Roads Police Station on January 13.

Hale “Ato” Besson was walking home after buying bread at a store near Starlite Shopping Plaza when a white car pulled up.

Gunmen got out and shot Besson multiple times before they got back into the car, which sped off.

Officers from the Four Roads station found Besson lying on the ground, next to Domino's Pizza opposite the NP gas station.

A policeman who was at the gas station heard the shots and saw the car drive off. He gave his colleagues a description of it, but up to Monday night, they were unable to find it.

Besson died before an ambulance could arrive.

His death brings the murder toll for the year to 13.

Domino’s closed immediately after the shooting, and employees were sent home.

A senior employee told Newsday staff did not appear scared or traumatised, and they returned to work on January 14.

The employee said they had not yet been told whether any additional security measures would be put in place at the store, or whether counselling would be made available if employees ask for it.

In 2024, Besson was among people interviewed by Canadian YouTube vlogger Christopher Hughes, whose blog name is Chris Must List.

Hughes went to violent communities in Trinidad where he spoke to residents to get their perspective on the community and the causes of crime in the area.

During a video feature in Trinidad, he spoke with Besson about crime in Belmont.

Sitting in an area known as Rifle Hill, Besson told him Belmont was “one love,” but added some areas were dangerous to go because of gang feuds.

“Belmont is love, unified, one love. But if you diss the order you will get disorder.

“It have certain parts who repping their gang and you can’t go in a boy area and rep your sign.”

He then directed Hughes further up the hill, where the vlogger spoke with a man armed with a high-powered rifle.

Besson's was the second murder in Diego Martin in four days.

The body of 58-year-old James “Monty” Forde of Pioneer Drive, Petit Valley, was found at Bata Circular, Ravine Road, Petit Valley on January 11.

Residents reported hearing gunshots at around 10.45 pm on January 10, but only found Forde’s body the next day in a yard along the street.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A MAN identified only as "Ato" was shot dead near Starlite Shopping Plaza on January 13.

People in the area reported hearing gunshots around 9 pm.

The victim was found minutes later lying on the ground on Cuthbert Road, next to Domino's Pizza, opposite the Four Roads Quick Shoppe.

He died before an ambulance could arrive.

His death brings the murder toll for the year to 12.

Police continue to search for the killers, who reportedly escaped in a white Toyota Fielder wagon.