Suspect remains in custody

Persad was shot dead just as he entered his home after a day spent searching for his daughter. Police officers yesterday combed several areas in forests near to Persad’s house for clues. As the search was in progress, several curious villagers looked on. Shivani was found and rescued by police on Tuesday and a 25-year-old man arrested.

Police sources said that the man remains in custody, as officer continue to interrogate him.

Last week Wednesday, the teenager left for her Rio Claro East Secondary School but never returned home. Prior to her disappearance Shivani’s parents were confronted by the 25-year-old man to start a relationship with the teenager.

Police said that the detained man insists he is a friend of Persad’s family. Relatives of the murdered man yesterday demanded justice as they called on the police to work diligently to bring charges against his killer.

Persad was described as a hard-working family man whose life revolved around his family of three children and wife Rehana Singh. Vishnu would be laid to rest today following a funeral service at the house of mourning. Police detectives from the Homicide Investigations Bureau (Region III) are continuing investigations.