Desmond’s murder shocks Alibey family

The 40-year-old father of two girls was shot three times by armed men at about 6 pm on Thursday evening.

When Newsday visited the Forensic Science Centre, St James yesterday, Alibey’s wife Tricia described her husband as a “helpful and very nice person.”

She said Alibey had no known enemies and his death had shocked the entire family. Tricia said no one was at the business place, other than her husband when the murder occurred but residents within the area confirmed hearing gunshots and saw three men running away from the scene. She said her husband’s death appeared to be a robbery as an undisclosed amount of money and keys to Alibey’s car were reportedly stolen. The car was not taken by the bandits.

Alibey lived with his family at Santa Rosa Heights, Arima. He was the brother of Newsday’s Sports Reporter, Walter Alibey. Walter described his brother Desmond as a hard working and ambitious person. He added that Desmond’s death had left him and those who knew Desmond, very bitter and angry.

“It hurts a lot right now and it has left us all very bitter. We are just hoping that those who are responsible for this crime is brought to justice,” said Walter.

According to Walter, Desmond was closing up his business when the three men entered and announced a hold-up.

He said his brother died almost instantaneously as a bullet that entered Desmond’s back pierced his heart.

Alibey is this country’s first murder victim since the 11 pm to 4 am curfew has been lifted and murder victim number 38 since the state of emergency has been declared.

Public Affairs Director Sharon Lee Assang stated during a police briefing yesterday at the Police Administration building, Port-of-Spain, that three men entered Alibey’s business place and announced a robbery. A struggle ensued as Alibey was robbed of a gold chain and an undisclosed amount of cash. Alibey was shot on his upper left arm, chest and groin area. Inspector Seecharan and Sgt Samuel and other homicide officers visited the scene.

Constable Lewis from the Homicide Bereau is investigating the murder.