[UPDATED] Double murder sparks call for police post in Guanapo

BESIEGED residents of La Retreat Road, Guanapo, Arima, still reeling from the trauma of a triple murder three weeks ago, were jolted by another double murder in their community on March 14.

The latest crime, in the midst of a state of emergency, has prompted them to demand a permanent police post and increased patrols.

Around 8.30 pm, three gunmen dressed in dark clothing and T-shirts, with the word "Police" on the back, pounced on a group of people who were liming outside a house just after the Guanapo dump and fired multiple shots before escaping by running through bushy tracks.

Two men were killed and a third injured.

The deceased were identified as Terence Romero, 59, and a 63-year-old man only known as Pa.

The injured man is a 39-year-old resident of La Retreat Road, Arima.

Other members of the group managed to escape as they ran in different directions.

The three men were taken to the Arima Health Facility where Romero and Pa died.

Police found 39 spent 9mm shell casings, two live 9mm ammunition, eight deformed projectiles, three fragments and one projectile at the scene.

Newsday visited the area on March 15 but those present were only willing to speak on condition of anonymity.

"Pa just come up here to sell some hog food. I don't know if it was wrong timing or what and the gunmen came and everybody ran," one resident said.

He said Pa stayed in a house only a couple metres away from a farm which is located behind the house.

"We need a police post up in the back here. Is outsiders coming in and spoiling this community.

"Last night it had plenty of children in the yard last night. What if one of them had pick up?"

Another resident said they are fearful of another incident like that happening,

"Because if it happens once, it can happen again."

Other residents in the area echoed the call for the police post.

"The state of crime is too much. This going on for too long now. It had higher crime bosses in the country and they got caught.

"Why these criminals and them these days can't get catch too?"

They called on the Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds to do more for poor communities, specifically in terms of safety.

"Visit these areas. Listen to the people. Understand us. We need help.

"The old people and the children here are traumatised. Most of them leaving their place and going elsewhere."

On February 22, three people were killed in the same community.

Anicia James, 47, her brother Anselm James, 49, and her common-law husband Mitchell Francois, 30 were shot dead and a six-year-old boy injured.

That incident sparked a major police response the following day led by two deputy commissioners of police and various other units of the service.

Contacted for comment, acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Curt Simon expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said the residents' pleas were concerning.

"They have a right to be concerned, the same way the police are concerned by what is happening.

"We have had significant police presence in that area and the police response to the incident was very fast. Simon believes criminals are watching and timing the police.

"It suggests that we have to adapt to this. I understand the call for a police post and our ears are indeed inclined to the calls of the citizenry and the residents.

"We will do this through our police stations councils and town halls where the discussion can go further."

Simon said he has been in contact with Snr Supt and the Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Northern North division.

"We are speaking about making certain adaptations, especially our response."

Asked how long it would take to develop a police post, Simon said there would need to be significant discussions.

"That takes on a bunch of different dynamics, the logistics needed to be in place. The Arima police station is not too far from that area.

"We have our experiences with police posts and the advantages and disadvantages that it brings."

Police said investigations are ongoing.

This story was originally published with the title "Cops probe double murder in La Retreat, Arima" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Two men are dead and one injured following an ambush by gunmen in the La Retreat, Arima area on March 14.

The deceased have been identified as Terence Romero, 59, and a 63-year-old man identified known as Pa.

The injured man is a 39-year-old resident of La Retreat Road, Arima.

Police said around 8.30 pm, the men were liming among a group of people when three gunmen wearing dark clothing with "Police" marked on the back of their T-shirts approached and shot at them.

The group of people ran, but Romero, Pa and the third man were shot.

The three men were taken to the Arima Health Facility where Romero and Pa died.

Police found 39 spent 9mm shell casings, two live 9mm ammunition, eight deformed projectiles, three fragments and one projectile at the scene.

On February 22, three people were killed in the same community.

Anicia James, 47, her brother Anselm James, 49, and her common-law husband Mitchell Francois, 30 were shot dead and a six-year-old boy injured.

Police said investigations are ongoing.