Prison officer takes life after telling wife, 'I love you'

Thursday 10 August 2023

An officer outside the Port of Spain Prison on Frederick Street. FILE PHOTO/JEFF MAYERS -

PRISON officer Shivon Childs, 29, is reported to have died by suicide just after midnight on Thursday.

He shot himself in the head in his bedroom at his home on Hermit Avenue, Maloney Gardens, D'Abadie.

According to a police report, around 12:42 am, Childs' wife told the police they were in their bedroom when he suddenly started acting strangely and repeatedly told her he loved her.

He punched himself repeatedly in the face, then retrieved his service-issued M&P pistol from a safe under the bed. He shot himself once in the forehead while still under the bed.

First responders discovered Childs lying face down and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his head. A DMO pronounced him dead, and his body was taken to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy.

Investigators processed the scene and found one black M&P pistol, two magazines (one loaded with 14/9mm ammunition and the other with 15/9mm ammunition), and one spent 9mm shell.

The investigation is still ongoing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please remember that help is available and you are not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional who can provide support.

In TT there are dedicated 24/7 helplines with volunteers ready to listen and offer guidance.

Don't hesitate to reach out.

Helplines:

Lifeline

800-5588

lifelinett.com

Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society

627-8215

ttrcs.org

GROOTS TT

384-4722

Childline