Coast Guardsman stabbed to death

Police were called to Joseph’s apartment shortly after 8 pm on Tuesday by a person who claimed that he and another man had been locked in an apartment and were unable to get out. They told police that they had stabbed Joseph.

Officers rushed to apartment 723 where they used a bolt cutter to open the door of the apartment. They found Joseph’s nude body. The men claimed they had been hired by Joseph to paint his apartment.

The men aged, 24 and 25, said that on arrival at the apartment Joseph padlocked the place, stripped and attempted to sexually abuse them. They said that to protect themselves, they stabbed Joseph and then telephoned the police.

The body was viewed by a District Medical Officer and ordered removed to the Forensic Science Centre. Neighbours said that strange activities took place at the apartment which was frequented by young boys.

Police investigators told Newsday they received complaints from Joseph’s neighbours. Yesterday, the Defence Force issued a release stating that Joseph enlisted in the Coast Guard on June 9, 1980, and served in several capacities. “The Commanding Officer, officers, men and women of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard extend their deepest condolence to the friends, family members and colleagues of Petty Officer Joseph,” the release noted.

However, reports indicated that Joseph had once had problems with the law for sexual abuse. He had been able somehow, to remain in the Coast Guard.

Coast guard officers yesterday did not comment on these reports. Investigators told Newsday a report will be sent to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Geoffrey Henderson for directions in the matter.

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"Coast Guardsman stabbed to death"

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