Dad shot dead

AN ENTERPRISE father of two was robbed of more than $20,000 in jewelry and shot dead in full view of  his common-law wife Jameela Peters, 19, at their Crown Trace home on Tuesday night.

Ronald Gabriel Bristol, 27, is the country’s 38th murder victim for the year and police have described his death as a planned execution. Peters said she and Bristol were at home at around 10 pm, when two gunmen barged into their tiny apartment and ordered Bristol into the bedroom. They snatched a gold chain and pendant he was wearing, pointed a gun at him,  then ordered him to hand over jewelry valued at more than $20,000. The gunmen shot Bristol once in the left side of the chest and as he slumped to the ground in a pool of blood, they fled the scene. Glen Hosein, 47, and Ken Ramnarace, 31, who were walking near to Bristol’s home were also shot. They were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Centre, then transferred to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where they were treated and warded.

Officers led by Snr Supt Nimrod, Supt Fredericks, ASP Millette, Inspector Raphael and Ag Sgt Ajith Persad along with District Medical Officer Dr Teelucksingh visited the scene and searched the area for prints and clues. The body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre. Bristol was described yesterday as a loving father and family-oriented person. His children ages nine and six were at their grandmother’s home in Longdenville when the shooting took place. His mother, Lauralyn Bristol, was in tears as she spoke about the life of her son. She said Bristol was a construction worker who also sold car batteries. He also loved expensive jewelry and just hours before his death, he had expressed a fear of being robbed of the jewelry. Bristol has matters pending in court for drug related offences.