DPP orders inquest on man shot by cop

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Geoffrey Henderson has ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Leroy Albarado, the father of four who was shot dead at his home in George Lane, Cunupia, two months ago.

The investigation was carried out by ASP Anthony Bernard who recorded statements and submitted his findings to ACP South, Peter John. The file was submitted to the DPP last week, and he gave directions on Monday. Albarado was shot in front of his wife, friends and neighbours, shortly after 10 pm on February 6. A gun was seized and a police constable from Central Division was quizzed by Ag ACP James Philbert. The constable claimed the death was accidental.

According to reports, at around 9.50 pm on February 6, officers from the Central Division Task Force, including PCs Cadette, Burns, Samad, WPC Rawlins, and a team from the Port-of-Spain CID, including Cpl Jones, and Cpls Charles, James and Alexander, executed a search warrant at Albarado’s home. The search was witnessed by a group of workmen who had earlier repaired the roof of the house. Albarado’s wife said as her husband got up from where he was sitting, a shot was fired. It struck Albarado in the back, exited and struck a washing machine.

Albarado said when her husband slumped to the ground she started screaming, and this alerted the other police officers. She said they placed the lifeless body of her husband, a retired WASA worker, in a police vehicle and rushed him to the Chaguanas Health Centre. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Officers led by Snr Supt Phillip Carmona, ASP Anthony Bernard, Inspector Noel and Cpl Ajith Persad, the Head of the Central Division Task Force visited the scene and carried out inquiries. Newsday learned that a date for the inquest will be announced shortly, and the matter will be heard before a Chaguanas magistrate.