Youth gunned down in Laventille

A 19-year-old, who was placed on a bond for a robbery charge, was gunned down near his home on Wednesday night. Reports state that Earl Lewis was shot dead near the basketball court on Upper Erica Street in Laventille. According to police reports, at about 9 pm, residents reported that several shots were fired in the area. On checking a short while later, Lewis was found lying at the side of the road with a gunshot wound to the back of his left shoulder. Eyewitnesses said three men approached Lewis and opened fire on him before escaping on foot. Parents of the deceased, Leon and Cynthia Lewis, were alerted by neighbours and rushed to the scene where they found their bleeding son on the ground. Lewis’ father reportedly placed his son in a friend’s car and rushed him to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. However, their efforts were in vain as the unemployed youth died on his way to the hospital.

When Newsday visited the Forensic Science Centre yesterday, an autopsy was being carried out on Lewis’ body. Relatives, however, were reluctant to speak to members of the media. Newsday has learnt that pending robbery charges may be the reason for Lewis’ death. Sources have also indicated that Lewis is suspected to have been part of a gang responsible for several kidnappings. Lewis’ murder is the 21st for the year, and while investigating officers have not yet held anyone for the latest murder, they say they know one of the gunmen and an arrest is imminent. Ag Insp Martinez, WPC Elizabeth Boland of the Besson Street CID are continuing investigations.