Father of two stabbed to death

IN WHAT was the second murder committed during Arima Borough Day celebrations, a group of about 20 men went on a rampage early yesterday morning, beating and stabbing a father of two to death. The group later turned on a friend of the deceased, stabbing him also. Another man was also severely beaten by the group. The death of 31-year-old Sean Pierre came a day after Dwight Lewis, 18, a former professional player with local club Jabloteh, was fatally stabbed while liming and taking in Borough Day celebrations at an Arima bar. No one has been held for the murders, but Arima police assured that arrests were imminent. The two murders marred this year’s Borough Day celebrations, although officials at the Arima Borough Corporation assured a peaceful celebration since there was a larger than normal police presence for the festivities.

Pierre’s death has sent the murder number for the year to 141, 31 away from last year’s toll of 172. At the Pinto Road home of the deceased, several friends had gathered and were busy erecting a tent for the wake. Pierre’s grieving brother Sherwin, 34, told Newsday he, Pierre and their friends attended the Arima Borough celebrations on Saturday. He said around 12.30 am yesterday, they were standing at St Joseph Street, when a man snatched his (Sherwin) gold chain and pendant, worth $3,000. Sherwin claimed one of his friends managed to “lock” the neck of the bandit and a struggle ensued. The suspect managed to escape with the chain. Sherwin said shortly after, a group of about 20 men, who he  believed were friends of the chain snatcher, pounced on them. A man who was standing on top a van, jumped from the vehicle and threw Sean to the ground. The man stabbed Sean in the back with a long silver blade and then fled the scene.

Another man was also stabbed while a third person was beaten about the body. Both were taken to the Arima District Hospital, where they were treated and discharged. Sean was not so lucky. He died on the spot. Arima police were alerted and carried out an unsuccessful search for the group. Pierre’s sombre friends told Newsday he never bothered anyone and did not deserve such a violent death. Police investigators told Newsday that they have interviewed several persons and arrests are imminent. Cpl Jones of the Arima CID is continuing investigations. Meanwhile, police sources said that a warrant had been issued for the arrest of a 28-year-old man in connection with the murder of Lewis, who was fatally stabbed after a bottle-throwing incident.