Murder toll now 123

THE murder toll for this year has risen to 123 following the shooting death of a 32-year-old steel bender inside his Schuller Street, East Dry River, Laventille, home on Wednesday night.

Police reports revealed that about 9.30 pm, Lorenzo Williams also known as ‘Lolo’ was at his home when a gunman broke open a door and placed a gun to Williams’ head. The victim was heard begging for his life and shortly after, several gunshots rang out.

Williams’ bloodstained body was found by his brother Andrew Paul. A distraught Paul told Newsday his brother was not involved in any illicit activities and was not a member of any crime gangs.

He added that Williams was a father of two who was well respected by those who knew him. The grieving man said he was leaving the issue of justice in the hands of the Almighty. Paul said that on Wednesday night he was at home when he heard a loud noise. He told Newsday that moments later, he heard Williams yell: “I don’t be in anything...give me a chance nah.”

Barely able to contain his grief, Paul said he heard three loud explosions and then there was silence. Paul added that he saw a man whose face was covered with a bandana (a large handkerchief) fleeing from his brother’s house.

He then cautiously made his way into his brother’s humble home only to find Williams on the ground dead.

A report was made to the Besson Street Police Station and officers arrived on the scene and cordoned off the house and interviewed several persons. After the District Medical Officer (DMO) examined the body, it was removed to the Forensic Sciences Centre in St James for an autopsy. Police sources said Williams was shot in the head.

Several residents who were interviewed by Newsday said the murder came as a shock to them since they remembered Williams as being a person who was not involved in crime. In fact, one of the residents expressed horror at the killing saying he found it hard to understand why someone who never troubled anyone, could be killed in such a manner. Up to late yesterday, no arrests had been made and the Homicide Bureau is continuing investigations.