Laventille man shot nine times is country’s 167th murder victim

A Laventille man became the country’s 167th murder victim for the year when he succumbed to gunshot injuries at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Ian Phillip 25, was shot nine times while walking through a track at Wharton Street, Laventille, on Tuesday.

Reports revealed that around 10.30 am, Phillip was walking through the track when he was confronted by a man he recognised. An argument ensued and the man later pulled out a gun and shot Phillip nine times about the body. He suffered broken arms and legs from the gunshot injuries. Phillip was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. He succumbed to the injuries around 7 pm on Tuesday.

At Wharton Street, Laventille, Judith Phillip, the sister of the dead man, told Newsday that her brother was a very private person. She claimed that her brother was an expert in installing ceilings and as far as she knew he was not involved in any illicit activities. She called on the police to find the person responsible for his death and bring him to justice. The grieving woman claimed that her brother was loved by those who knew him and he ensured that no one went hungry. She also described him as a jovial and loving person and an excellent father to his four-year-old daughter Shaneen. Police investigators told Newsday that based on information received, the death of Phillip is a result of a drug transaction. They claimed that Phillip was allegedly given drugs to sell and was owing money. Cpl Collins of the Besson Street CID is investigating.