‘I hope Darryl is still alive’

THE common-law wife of kidnap victim Darryl Chotoo, who police presume is dead, is hoping and praying that he is still alive. Carmel Ann Maraj, who asked for her photo not to be taken, is also pleading with the public who may have valuable information regarding her husband’s whereabouts, to pass it on to the police. Maraj, the mother of Chotoo’s 14-month-old daughter, said yesterday she was tired of crying and is still hoping that he is alive. Maraj was in company with Darryl at their humble El Socorro home on the night of June 30, when three kidnappers broke down a door and snatched Darryl from the house. Maraj claims to be traumatised ever since. As tears filled her eyes yesterday, the grieving woman explained that she has not been able to sleep properly since Darryl was kidnapped. “He was such a wonderful person, a caring father and a generally good person, and I am hoping that he is still alive,” said the saddened woman.

Maraj said she was happy to learn the Coast Guard did not find the body or remains of her husband in a caiman-infested pond in Caroni during searches on the weekend. She refuted reports that her husband was involved in illegal activities and said he  never troubled anyone, but lived a humble life and was looking forward to seeing his baby daughter grow up. Yesterday, a 22-year-old man of Point Fortin was charged with the kidnapping of Chotoo. Two others have already been charged with the saidkidnapping. Investigators will consult with Director of Public Prosecutions Geoffrey Henderson today to decide how to proceed with their investigations. Investigators said yesterday that based on statements received, Chotoo is dead. Beharry Maraj, the father of Carmel Ann said that he too is traumatised by the whole incident and pointed out that Darryl was a good person. He also is hoping that Chotoo is still alive.