Fruit vendor gunned down in east PoS

A FRUIT VENDOR was shot to death early yesterday morning during a robbery. Rodney George, 41, of St John Street, East Dry River, Laventille, was gunned down by bandits while he was on his way to the Central Market at Sea Lots early yesterday morning. According to reports, George left his home at around 3:15 am on Sunday to go to the market to purchase fruits for his fruit stall business, which is situated near his home.

While he was walking along Lovell Place, residents said they heard several explosions which they believed to have been gun shots. However, because of the existing crime situation and the self-imposed curfew among residents, no one came out to investigate. When dawn broke, residents discovered George’s body near a standpipe in a sitting position, in a pool of  blood with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. His wife told the police officers that George had left home with $500 which he was going to use to purchase his fruits at the market, along with his cell phone, but neither of these were found on George by police. Without any other explanation, investigators believe the motive of the killing was robbery.

George operated his fruit stall at Lucky Bakery, and was said to be very friendly with his customers. Dr Holder, the District Medical Officer (DMO) viewed the body and ordered its removal to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy tomorrow. Police officers headed by Acting Inspector Sahadeo Singh), Sgt Mc Kay, Cpls Rowley, Mercer and Pc Edwards visited the scene. Cpl Rowley is continuing inquiries. George’s murder was the 152nd so far this year, and the 51st in the Laventille district.