City hit by 12 murders

THE PORT-OF-SPAIN Div-ision has recorded 12 out of the 23 murders committed in the country for this year. In Port-of-Spain, the Besson Street area alone has recorded eight murders with only two of them being detected (arrests made). The most recent murder in the capital was a revenge “hit,” according to police. Von Peters, 17, whose aliases were “Half ah foot” and “Tommy,” was shot dead by a lone gunman at Essex Place, John John Towers, Laventille, on Sunday around 8 pm, while liming with friends. Investigations revealed the deceased was speaking with friends when the gunman came up and pointed the gun at him. While his friends scattered in all directions, Peters was gunned down.

Peters, who walked with a limp after part of his right foot was amputated a few years ago, had several convictions for possession of firearms and ammunition, robberies, shootings and other charges. Police believe the killing was a revenge “hit” and in retaliation for the murder of Michael Roberts who was shot dead last Thursday at Picton Street, Laventille. Further investigations revealed Peters was the main suspect in Roberts’ murder and police were in the process of seeking directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Geoffrey Henderson to proceed against Peters. Several visits by Newsday to Straker Village, Desperlie Crescent and Pump Trace, where it was claimed Peters lived, in an effort to interview relatives proved futile. Acting Sgt Ferette of Besson Street CID is investigating.