Gangland killing in Laventille

POLICE have described as a “gangland killing” the country’s latest murder which has pushed the already record rate to 257. According to reports, residents of  Richardson Lane, East Dry River, reported hearing several gunshots around 6 pm on Monday and when they later investigated they found the body of Garvin Christian, 20, in a pool of blood near a bullet riddled car. Christian, who police claim was a member of a gang, suffered bullet wounds to his back and head. Several spent shells were seized near the site of the shooting.

When Newsday visited his 19 Siparia Hill, East Dry River home yesterday no one was present. A woman identified by neighbours as Christian’s girlfriend ran and hid when she spotted the reporter near the family home. Christian’s mother Denise was also said to be “unavailable” for comment when we visited her Mariquite Street, East Dry River, Laventille home. Residents also remained tight-lipped over the incident. Police sources told Newsday they believe the murder was gang-related and the result of an ongoing feud between two gangs which control Quarry Street and Charford Courts, respectively.  However, police said they also believe Christian was an innocent victim who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“From information we got, the killers were looking for a fellow gang member of Christian and when they did not find him, they decided to shoot Christian who apparently refused to divulge the whereabouts of the gang member who was targetted for murder,” a police source said. Other sources suggested that it was also possible Christian could have been killed in retaliation for the release of a relative who was behind bars on a murder charge. Cpl John Ferette is investigating.