Dejected man dies in burning house

A man who attempted to strangle his teenage stepdaughter allegedly set fire to the house in which they lived and remained in the burning building. The charred body of Mervyn Baptiste was found in the ruins after firemen put out the blaze. Nine persons are now homeless — six adults and three children. Baptiste, 48, was a Public Transport Service Corporation supervisor. According to reports, shortly before 4 am yesterday residents in the upper storey of a house at Plaisance Road in Laventille became alarmed when La Toya Figaro, 18, ran outside screaming that her stepfather had tried to choke her to death. Her brother 15, was at her side. While speaking to her family upstairs, another relative raised an alarm, causing all the occupants of the house to seek safety outside and watch helplessly as the entire house became engulfed in flames.

After the blaze was extinguished by the Fire Services, the burnt body of Baptiste was found on the floor downstairs. When Newsday visited the scene, relatives explained that Baptiste had become dejected ever since his common-law wife left him a few weeks ago. They expressed shock about his action however, since he was known to be a quiet, non-violent man. A dejected Cheryl Worrell, owner of the house who lived upstairs and is Baptiste’s niece, said  all she could do now was watch. “I do not know what will be my next move but we will live and we will rebuild,” she added. She also expressed shock at the action of her uncle, stating that he had left since the separation and had only returned the night before. The house and items were valued at $200,000. Baptiste would have celebrated his 49th birthday today. Also lost in the fire were two dogs and 70 ducks. Besson Street police are investigating.