Woman wanted for 4 murders arrested at Laventille mansion

A 43-year-old woman wanted for questioning in four recent murders in Laventille was among 11 persons arrested in an early morning exercise, carried out in Laventille and surrounding areas.

The woman is the widow of a slain gang member and former URP official. She was arrested at her sprawling mansion around 4 am yesterday and taken to the Besson Street Police Station. The mother of three, who is a member of the Jamaat Al Muslimeen, was later handed over to Homicide officers. During the exercise, officers seized a bulletproof vest, a ski-mask and an army camouflage uniform bearing the regimental number 9116. The uniform was handed over to the Defence Force for investigations. Police told Newsday that the 25-year-old son of a top calypsonian was also arrested in the exercise. He was wanted for arson and shooting arising out of an incident on August 20 at Minachy Alley, Laventille.

The victim, Judy Hackette, told police that she was at home when she noticed smoke coming from the back of the house. On checking, she saw a man she knew running away from the scene. She also claimed that the man fired a shot at her. Her home was completely gutted by fire. Officers also arrested three other persons for a series of robberies while others were held on outstanding warrants. A quantity of ammunition was also seized in the exercise which was co-ordinated by Supt Errol Denoon and led by Supt Gonzales, ASP Sealey and Ag Inspector Sahadeo Singh.