Grocer, woman murdered

According to police reports, Richardo Francis, owner of Chan’s Mini Mart on the corner of Back Street and Crown Street, was at the grocery at about 12 pm when a group of men entered and announced a hold-up.

Neighbours said they heard one gunshot before the men escaped in a white car. Francis was rushed to the Arima Health Facility but was pronounced dead on arrival.

When Sunday Newsday visited the scene, Francis’ wife was seen being comforted by relatives.

Many in the area expressed shock over the incident. A woman described Francis as a “sweet sweet man” who did not deserve to die the way he did.

“They always say the good ones go first but we weren’t ready for him to go, not like this,” she said.

In an unrelated incident, a woman was discovered dead by her relatives at about 4.30 yesterday afternoon.

According to police reports, the woman was found with chop wounds at her home on Boyie Trace, Cunupia. Relatives said she was last seen alive on Friday night with a close male relative.

Police are continuing their investigations into both incidents.