First murder for 2004

AFTER JUST 48 hours into the new year, TT recorded its first murder.

At 1.45 pm yesterday, workers of TTEC clearing debris from a fallen tree that had blocked the Saddle Road, Maraval, just before the pillars in the vicinity of the “Maracas lookout” stumbled on a black garbage bag lying at the bottom of the hill.

One worker attempted to move it and the corpse of a man fell out. The police were contacted and they in turn contacted the DMO who ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre. The body bore a bullet wound over the left eye. Police confirmed that it was a fresh murder committed sometime between New Year’s Day and yesterday.

The body was unidentified, but other police sources told Newsday that the victim is believed to be Atiba Johnson, 27, of Macoya Settlement, Tunapuna, a suspected gang-member who has been charged for several crimes and who is out on bail for drug possession, robbery and shooting matters. Sgt Edwards of the Maraval Police Station is investigating.