Rape, attempted murder in canefield

A WOMAN who returned to Trinidad a month ago after separating from her husband in the United States of America, remains warded in critical condition at San Fernando General Hospital, after she was abducted, raped and stabbed in a deserted Gasparillo canefield Tuesday night. Police have detained a 41-year-old man, who ironically is warded in the same ward as the victim, suffering with severe abdominal pains. Both victim and suspect are said to be under police watch at the medical institution. Detectives investigating the incident have sought assistance through their Interpol counterparts to find out if the suspect, who also lived in the US, is wanted in connection with any crimes in that country. The woman, originally from Harmony Hall in Marabella, returned from Miami where she had been living, after ending her marriage.

According to police reports, the woman was picked up by the man when she left her work at around 9 pm. However, the man took her to a lonely area at Reform Factory Road in Gasparillo. She was then dragged, police said, to a nearby canefield where the man raped the woman and then stabbed her repeatedly. He then fled. The bleeding woman made her way to a villager’s home where she sought help. A report was made to the police and the semi-conscious woman was taken to hospital where she received emergency treatment. She was also medically examined by DMO Dr Keith Seelochan. Sgt Anthony Charles, PC Keith Ifill and WPC Karen Bruce, all of the Gasparillo Police Station, visited the scene and conducted investigations. During the early morning hours yesterday, police arrested the suspect at Old Train Line in Marabella. Police sources said it is likely the suspect would face charges of rape and attempted murder when he is discharged from hospital. Sgt Charles is heading investigations.