Cops search for gunman and accomplice

A 20-year-old man who fought with bandits who attempted to steal his gold chain and pendant valued $5,000, was shot in the armpit and bled to death at the corner of Cocorite Road and Devenish Streets Arima, around 1.05 am yesterday.

The killer escaped minus the gold chain. His murder is the 50th for the year so far. Reports revealed that Keon Hunt left his Phase Four, La Horquetta home on Saturday afternoon telling relatives that he was going to the movies. Relatives claimed that they received a call around 1.30 am informing them that Hunt had died. An eyewitness to the shooting death told police investigators that Hunt and two others were walking along Cocorite Road and Devenish Street, when they were confronted by two men with jerseys pulled over their faces.

One man was armed with a gun. The gunman ordered Hunt to hand over his gold chain and pendant but he refused. Reports revealed that a struggle ensued between Hunt, the gunman and the accomplice. He continued to retaliate insisting that he was not giving up his gold chain. The enraged bandit shot Hunt once in the armpit and as he slumped to the ground the killer and his accomplice fled the scene empty handed. A report was made to the Arima Police and officers of the Emergency Health Services were alerted. Hunt was rushed to the Arima Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The eyewitness was able to give a description of the killer and his accomplice.

At the Ray Sylvester Avenue, La Horquetta. home of the deceased, relatives claimed that they were able to retrieve the gold chain and pendant from the body of Hunt. They added that Hunt who worked at the meat section of Santa Rosa Foods, was supposed to take up duties on a cruise ship shortly. They added that he was a fan of American rapper “DMX” and had a DMX pendant on his chain. The chain was made by a jeweller last September and Hunt was never afraid to venture out of his home with the chain and pendant although he was advised against doing so. His mother Donna who lives in the United States had also begged her son not to display the chain when leaving his home at nights. An autopsy on the body of Hunt will be carried out today. Supt Quashie, Inspector Grant and others visited the scene and are investigating.