Cops say soldier’s shooting death was suicide

Samaroo, of St Helena Village, Piarco, served as a soldier for 27 years and was a Special Forces officer until last October, when he was suddenly transferred to Camp Cumuto as a Warrant Officer Clerk II. Sources said Samaroo became depressed after his transfer. The depression intensified two weeks ago and Samaroo kept to himself and began behaving in unusual ways.

At about 9.40 am on Tuesday, colleagues found him with the gunshot wound and administered emergency medical treatment.

His service weapon, a Sig Saur was retrieved. He was taken to the Arima Hospital but was transferred to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. He was unconscious and already brain-dead.

Yesterday, Northern Division police said they were treating the matter as a suicide and had no reason to believe it was a murder.

An autopsy confirmed death was due to a single gunshot wound.

Sources said his colleagues are receiving counselling and other officers of the Welfare Department of the Regiment have been assigned to assist his relatives.

Chief of Defence Staff Rodney Smart and Commanding Officer Colonel Dexter Francis extended condolences to Samaroo’s relatives including his wife and three children. Sgt Denoon is investigating.