Slain teens believed to have witnessed a crime

That is the initial motive which homicide detectives have ascertained, while investigating the circumstances of their deaths, which occurred early on Wednesday morning at a farm in Guanapo.

While detectives are still conducting investigations, sources within the Northern Division believe that either one or both of the youths who were riddled with bullets on Wednesday witnessed an act perpetrated by another person. Detectives however noted that the investigation is still in its initial stages, and that they are investigating all possible leads.

Autopsies done on the bodies of the teenagers yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James revealed they died from multiple gunshots. Based on the results of the autopsies, pathologists have determined that both youths were wide awake and may have been ambushed by the gunmen who riddled their bodies with bullets.

Pathologists told Newsday yesterday that they recovered a round of spent ammunition from Washington’s wrist, and three rounds from Charles’ chest, neck and head.

Pathologists also received information that at least 43 spent shells were recovered from the scene of the shooting, leading them to determine that the shooters were not very experienced.

According to reports, Washington, 16, and Charles, 18, were in the sleeping quarters at the farm in Guanapo Heights, when at about 5.30 am, gunmen snuck into the farm, after emerging from a black coloured vehicle.

The gunmen then went on either side of the sleeping quarters, stuck their firearms into the room and gunned down the teens. The gunmen then fled the scene in their car.

Washington died at the scene, and Charles was rushed to the Arima District Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.