John Lane murder victim laid to rest

Plaza succumbed to his wounds one week after he was shot, along with four other persons in D’abadie, early in November.

The officiator for the service prayed for angels to guide Plaza’s soul to the almighty and assured the congregation that they would be reunited with him in the afterlife, but his prayers and preaching could barely be heard over the wails and cries of Plaza’s close relatives, who still could not come to terms with his death.

“My daddy gone! Oh God! My daddy gone!” wailed one of Plaza’s two daughters during the final viewing of his body. The child could have been seen being escorted out of the church with tears streaming down her face as she cried and screamed for her father.

Other relatives were equally unable to contain their grief as they made their way out of the church and toward the burial site.

Tears could have been seen in the eyes of every relative, friend and loved one who gathered at the church to pay their final respects.

On November 5, Plaza was shot, along with his nephew Kevin and another relative, Frank Joseph, during a brazen drive by shooting at John Lane, D’Abadie.

According to reports the group of men were liming on the street at about 3.45 pm, when gunmen rolled up to them in a white Nissan Tiida, with no licence plates.

The occupants of the vehicle fired on the group, and the men scattered in different directions, attempting to escape.

Newsday understands that the gunmen got out of the car and gave chase to the fleeing men shooting them all several times.

Witnesses reported hearing more than 50 gunshots during the incident.

Frank and Kevin died at the scene, but Plaza was rushed to hospital where he fought for his life while in critical condition, until Saturday last.

Plaza was buried at the Santa Rosa RC Cemetery.