Belmont man shot dead

His murder is the 306th for the year.

Police reports revealed that Andre Clive James, alias "Mousse," was on his way to visit a friend when he was approached by a gunman who shot him three times at point blank range.

Residents of Siparia Hill, who were alerted by the gunshots, rushed to the scene to find James’ body in a pool of blood. He was clad in a short-sleeved shirt and blue jeans.

Officers of the Besson Street Police Station and the Crime Scenes Unit went to the scene. The area was cordoned off and the body was viewed by District Medical Officer Dr Clerk.

On his arrival at the murder scene, Dr Clerk told the police — "I don’t want those media people here." A police officer then told members of the media who were standing behind a yellow tape that the DMO wanted privacy while viewing the body,

Initial tests revealed that James had been shot three times. Police investigators told Newsday that the killing was gang-related, and that James had been threatened on several occasions.

Relatives of the dead man denied that he was involved in gang-related activities. They added that he was a peaceful person.

Investigations are continuing.