Relatives: He was killed for his inheritance

Speaking with relatives of the slain man yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James, Newsday was told that they believe his murder had nothing to do with his chequered past, but because he inherited several properties from his father who died months ago.

“This is not a situation where a gunman say he owing money or anything,” said one relative who wished not to be named.

“He was killed for his business.

It is greed that caused his death.” Newsday was told that James’ father, the owner of James Transport, willed the business to him and he was given controlling interest of the company about two weeks ago. Since then, relatives said, other persons tried to take control of the company.

According to reports, James was killed near his home on Gopaul Avenue at about 3.30 pm.

Sources told Newsday that witnesses noticed a Hyundai Matrix car driving on Gopaul Avenue while James was walking along the street about to go to a parlour to get a small soft drink.

The vehicle pulled up alongside him and gunmen from within the vehicle shot him multiple times. He slumped to the ground, and died on the spot.

Relatives described James as a loving man and a good father to his two children, but Newsday was told that he was a person of interest in several criminal cases.

Relatives said he had four cases which were before the courts, but three of them have been dismissed.

“All his matters were in 2004 and 2005. “I am not saying that he is a saint. He did his dirt in earlier years. But he had changed his life for the better.