Murder suspect held in ‘sting’

A MAN wanted for the shooting death of 14-year-old Maurice Mota has been arrested in a sting operation organised by members of the St James Criminal Investigations Department (CID), police sources said yesterday. The 24-year-old, of Bourg Mulatresse, Santa Cruz, has reportedly confessed to the crime which occurred early Sunday morning while Mota was sitting upstairs Jazzy’s Bar in the verandah area overlooking the Western Main Road, St James. Up to late evening, however, he had not been charged and police sources said he is expected to appear today before a Port-of-Spain magistrate.

The alleged murderer was held Wednesday night on Independence Square, Port-of-Spain. He reportedly was going to meet a woman and upon his arrest, allegedly led police to a 9mm firearm, believed by police to be the one used in the killing of young Mota.  Five rounds of ammunition were also found. The sting operation was led by Sgt Nandram Moonilal and included Cpls Andrew Charles and Angatiah, and PCs David Powder, Andre Barrow and Grant.  It was spearheaded by Western Division head, Sr Supt Stephen Quashie. Mota was shot in the back of the head by a man, reportedly over a woman who was said to be dancing with both Mota and the suspect.  The YMCA student died on arrival at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. His mother, Ann Marie Mota, a mother of four, said he was a very harden and miserable child who often ran away from home. Ann Marie said the last time she saw her son was around 4 pm Saturday when he left his Fort George Road, St James, home telling her he was going to see his grandmother, Doreen Tyrell at her Ross Lands home. Mota was laid to rest yesterday.