Man burnt to death in Couva

Police have launched a manhunt for the arsonist whom, based on preliminary investigations, is known in the district. Dead is Ancil Leonard, 45. His tragic death occurred two days after his mother, Irene, 75, died. The woman was scheduled to be buried today.

According to a police report, screams were heard coming from Apartment Building 38 at 2-3 Gilda Street at 4 am.

When neighbours looked out of their windows, they saw fire and smoke in the two-level apartment.

Jaylene Leonard, 25, and her friend Megan Eastman were asleep in a bedroom on the upper level of the apartment.

The report stated that two brothers — Wayne and Wesley Haynes — risked their lives to save Leonard and Eastman when fire engulfed the apartment.

At the scene yesterday, Wayne told Newsday he was asleep in his apartment next door, when he heard screams.

"I heard Jaylene screaming, ‘Somebody please help us we are trapped, fire, fire!’"

Wayne, 24, said he tried to push open the front door, but was unsuccessful.

His brother, Wesley, climbed a banister and managed to jump onto the verandah.

Wayne said Leonard and Eastman were screaming and trying to smash a window. Eventually Wesley shattered a window and the two women climbed to safety.

"I saw the entire step in flames plus two couches burning," Wayne said.

Police said Ancil, who often roamed the streets, was trapped inside a bedroom, and that neither Leonard nor Eastman was aware Ancil was in the apartment. Wayne said, "Had I known that Ancil was inside, I would have tried my best to get him out."

Leonard and Eastman sustained minor burns to their faces, arms and legs.

They also sustained cuts which police said were consistent with climbing through the smashed window. They were rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital.

Ancil’s charred remains were found in a crouched position in a bedroom. His body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy.

Yesterday, relatives said they have postponed Irene’s funeral in order to have one funeral service for mother and son.

Cpl Lawrence of the Couva CID is investigating.