Pathologists: Victim’s face barely recognisable

While relatives of the slain 33-year-old man refused to speak to the media, pathologists told Newsday that Fortune was shot at least 30 times with a high-velocity rifle. They said the damage from the high-velocity rounds crushed Fortune’s skull as they ripped through his body from the right side. He was shot in the head, face and chest.

Earlier reports said at about 11.45 pm on Saturday, Fortune was in a white Nissan Almera on Third Avenue, Barataria, waiting for a male relative to return from a nearby bar with drinks, when gunmen approached and shot him.

Newsday understands Fortune was acquitted about a month ago of a murder in Malabar in 2008.

Pathologists also said Joey Basdeo, who was killed in an unrelated incident on Ruben Lane, Enterprise, Chaguanas, was shot five times. Frightened relatives refused to speak to the media, fearing they would be targeted by the gunman who claimed Basdeo’s life.

Basdeo, from Enterprise Street, Enterprise, Chaguanas, was driving with his four-yearold daughter and his wife when, just before 3 pm, a man on a bicycle rode up to the passenger side of the car, drew a gun and shot Basdeo.

Basdeo’s wife escaped harm, but his daughter was grazed with a bullet. They all went to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where Basdeo died of his wounds. His daughter was released from hospital after treatment.

Police are still trying to find a motive for Basdeo’s murder.

Relatives of Ricardo Francis, who was shot dead in yet another unrelated incident, called for justice.

Francis was killed on Saturday just before midday, at his businessplace, Chan’s Mini Mart on Crown Street, Tacarigua.

According to reports, gunmen stormed the store and announced a robbery, and moments later a single gunshot rang out. Francis was taken to the Arima Health Facility, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An autopsy showed Francis died from a single gunshot wound that entered his mouth, travelled through his neck and perforated his lungs.

Relatives described Francis as a hard-working man who did everything he could for his two children.

Investigations into these three cases are ongoing.