Three killed in ten hours

The country’s murder toll leaped yesterday with the killing of a 25-year-old Barataria man, the third killing in ten hours. Curtis Primus, 25, alias “Burp,” was shot dead around 7 am while recording the names of persons for work on the Unemployment Relief Programme. Around 10 pm Thursday night, Hemraj Khalawan, 29, a man who villagers claimed was “demon possessed,” was chopped to death at the Heights of Guanapo in Arima by a man who was trying to help him.

And half an hour earlier, Marshall Duncan, 17, was shot dead outside Building 15 at Maloney Gardens, after an argument over money during a game of “whappie.” According to reports, Primus, who had several charges pending for robbery and possession of arms and ammunition, was at a workshop in the area, a few metres from his Eighth Avenue home in Barataria, when a man walked up and fired several shots. Five bullets hit Primus, three in the heart, one to the groin and another one to the head. Residents, who claimed he was taking names for a labour force, told Newsday they saw nothing, but one relative pointed to a recently released convict who had an altercation with Primus and had threatened to kill him.

Police visited the scene and contacted the DMO, who ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre. Police sources said it is a continuation of the gang war and Primus and the ex-convict are members of two gangs at war. A teary-eyed Nicole Alfonso, Primus’ girlfriend, said, “He was a wonderful man in every way.” Police confirm an arrest is imminent. Visiting the scene were Snr Supt Bishop, Insp Coa, Sgt Abraham and Cpl Vidale. Insp Coa is investigating. In the second killing, reports state that Khalawan, of La Retreat Road in the Heights of Guanapo, was believed to be “demon possessed” and he was recently “taken in” by a friend at Innocent Trace, seven miles inside the forested Heights of Guanapo.

Reports state that around 10 pm, Khalawan attacked his friend, accusing him of being “Mr Devil,” and threatened to kill him. The friend retaliated and dealt Khalawan several chops to his back and head. When he found that Khalawan was not moving after some time, the friend sought the advice of a neighbour at a nearby quarry, who advised him to make a report. Around 9.30 am, the 66-year-old man walked into the Arima Police Station and made a report. Police rushed to the scene and were shocked when they discovered four hound dogs attacking the body. The dogs were chased away, and the DMO was contacted. The body was ordered removed to the Forensic Science Centre for autopsy. A 66-year-old man is assisting police with their enquiries.

Visiting the scene were Snr Supt Ghany, ASP Trim, Insp Abraham, and acting Sgt Tim Kew. Acting Sgt Tim Kew is investigating. Just half an hour before that, Duncan of Parakeet Terrace in Maloney Gardens, was playing a game of “whappie” with associates, when an argument broke out over money and one of the players was accused of being a thief. The man then whipped out a gun and several loud explosions were heard. Duncan slumped to the ground dead with bullet wounds to his chest and stomach, as the crowd scattered. Cpl Charles of the Maloney Police Post is investigating.