49-year-old man hacked to death

A 49-year-old man, who was said to have had a substance abuse problem, was brutally chopped to death in Belle Garden, East Tobago, on Friday evening.

The body of Trevor Romeo, bearing multiple chop wounds, was discovered lying face-down in a ditch about 150 feet south of the Windward Main Road. Police have since detained another villager who was up to yesterday assisting with inquiries. Police reports are that sometime between 5 and 6pm Romeo was violently chopped following a dispute with another man. His left arm was almost severed. It is believed that Romeo fell into the ditch while attempting to escape his attacker. The motive for the murder is still unclear and residents and investigators remain baffled as to the nature of the dispute between the suspect and the victim. The suspect, who is said to have a known history of mental illness, bore only a blank expression as he was taken into custody by the officers.

According to villagers, both the suspect and Romeo are known “sprangers” around the area but have expressed shock at the suspect’s behaviour since he normally shied away from other people. “He had to be provoked to trip like that because he don’t talk to nobody. If you walking on the same side of the road with him, he would cross to the other side until you’re gone,” one villager explained. Supt Watson, Detective Insp Cyril Broomes, head of Scarborough CID, Detective Sgt Williams and other officers visited the scene. Also visiting the scene was CMOH, Dr Mentor Melville who viewed the body and ordered its removal to the Scarborough Mortuary. A large crowd of curious villagers and motorists gathered at the scene. Officers of the Scarborough CID are continuing investigations.