Police wrangle over homicide probe

Officers of the Piarco and Arima Police stations spent several hours in heated debate yesterday, over whom should investigate the death of a man whose body was found in Carapo. Police officers from Piarco and Arima Police Stations both responded to the report that a body was found at Carapo. Around 10 am yesterday, the body of a man dressed in a knee length khaki pants and a checkered jersey was found near a bridge in Carapo. The man, believed to be in his 40s, is of East Indian descent, medium built and about 190 pounds.

District Medical Officer Dr Vidya Maharaj visited the scene and ordered the removal of the body to the Forensic Science Centre. Senior officers of the Northern Division were forced to intervene yesterday. after much discussion, it was decided that the probe will be carried out by officers of the Arima CID. A Chaguanas man went to the Forensic Science Centre yesterday to view the body, but it was not identified. A party of officers led by Insp Bullein and acting Insp Johnny Abraham along with acting Sgt Hamilton, Cpl Lucas and WPC Thalia Francis combed the area where the body was found for clues. The police are calling on members of the public, who can assist in identifying the body, to contact officers at the Arima Police Station. The murder of the unidentified man is the 258th for the year.