‘This is where Chotoo’s body was dumped’

A caiman-infested swamp located north of the Caroni river has been identified as the exact location where the body of kidnap victim Darryl Chotoo, 25, was dumped on the night of June 30.

On Wednesday afternoon, a 23-year-old Point Fortin man, who is the main suspect in the kidnapping of the father of one, accompanied officers of the North Eastern Division led by Sgt David Abraham to the swamp which he pointed out. The man reportedly told police officers that when Chotoo was kidnapped on the night of June 30 outside his El Socorro home, he resisted and was shot between his chest and stomach. He also claimed in a statement that Chotoo began bleeding heavily when he was forced into a black Nissan B-13 car. The bleeding man was driven several miles into a roadway north of the Caroni Post Office, where it was discovered that he had died. Chotoo was dragged from the car into bushes and his body dumped into the caiman-infested swamp. The car which was used to transport him was burnt and left in the area. That car has since been recovered by the police.

Police officers returned to the pond yesterday and carried out a search for other bits of evidence in their investigation. Investigators said yesterday that they have applied to the Coast Guard for their assistance in recovering the remains of his body. The Coast Guard officers are expected to search for the body on Saturday. Newsday learned that the man who pointed out the swamp to the police will be charged with Chotoo’s kidnapping. If the body is found, he will also be charged with murder but plans are afoot to use him as a witness in the kidnapping and murder of Chotoo. Two men have already been charged with the kidnapping. Three others who were detained in connection with the kidnapping were quizzed and released. Yesterday, one of Chotoo’s relatives told Newsday, “On one hand, we are hoping and praying that the body in the pond may not be him because it is a horrible way for a person to go and it will hurt us beyond words. “We would like closure on the matter, and if they find him or his remains at least, we will not be wondering what happened to him.” When Newsday visited the area yesterday, residents complained bitterly that the area is used to strip cars and carry out drug deals. They are calling for more restrictions to be placed in the area.