San Fernando man executed — shot 10 times

A 55-year-old Pleasantville man was executed near his home by a group of  gunmen who shot him at least ten times about his body, on Friday night. Mervin Taylor, of Cassia Avenue, Pleasantville, who was shot in his neck, hands, legs, back and chest, was pronounced dead on arrival to the San Fernando General Hospital. Police are working on the theory that the murder was drug-related. According to police reports, around 9 pm, Taylor and his friend Roxanne Charles, of Princes Town, had just left his home and were walking along the road when a car pulled up alongside them. Police reports stated that four men alighted with guns, fired several shots at Taylor and sped off.

The woman took cover and ran for her life. She was not injured and has since given police a statement. Investigators said later that night, the car was discovered on fire at Pelican Avenue, Duncan Village, San Fernando. An eyewitness told Sunday Newsday that two cars stopped next to the couple, and four men opened fire on Taylor. The witness said when the gunmen returned to their cars, one of the cars turned around and again stopped alongside Taylor, who was bleeding on the ground. He said one of the gunmen alighted and pumped four more shots in his back. The eyewitness said when the gunmen left, he jumped into his car, picked up the unconscious, bleeding man and rushed him to the hospital. But Taylor died before reaching the casualty department. One resident said Taylor was a “cool” person who was well-known in the community. He added that Taylor never found himself in trouble with anyone, and they were shocked over his murder.