Body found in shallow grave

THE BODY of a man marked for death was found yesterday buried in a shallow grave on the hillside at DeFretias Drive at Upper Santa Cruz Old Road, San Juan. The decomposed body, identified as that of Ian Prince, 30, alias “Ratters” of Lower Santa Cruz Road, was found in a crouched position with his feet bound. When Newsday attempted to speak to neigbours they all shied away, claiming they could be killed for speaking out. However, sources claimed that Prince, who had several pending charges for drugs, gun possession and robberies, was a wanted, hated man.

“He had made the lives of many people, including known criminals like himself, miserable and hits were put on his head. His murder was just a matter of time.” Sources also confirmed that Prince was hiding at Upper Santa Cruz Old Road at the time of his murder. According to reports, San Juan police received an anonymous call last Sunday of men burying a body in a shallow grave behind the Santa Cruz Nazarene Church, San Juan. Police went to the scene yesterday where they found the body which bore a single bullet wound to the chest.

Police believe his death could be related to the many enemies he created over the years, or the ongoing war between gang members of Upper and Lower Santa Cruz. The gruesome discovery was this country’s 209th murder for the year. Visiting the scene were Snr Supt Bishop, Insp Coa, Sgt Hazare, Cpls Vidalle and Kitson. Cpl Kitson is investigating.