Tobago’s murder toll has hit a record high after gunmen in camouflage shot and killed four men in Black Rock yesterday morning.

With five months left in the year, these murders have pushed the island’s toll to 16 for 2024 so far, surpassing last year’s total of 14.

In what is being described by police as an ongoing revenge killing spree between two groups, which began in Mt Pleasant a week ago, Black Rock residents and businesses are now in fear that the war has reached their community.

The deceased have been identified as Anslem Douglas, Gregory Hamlet, and Samuel Mc Cain and Jamoki Duncan.

Anslem Douglas

While three of the men were killed on the spot, Duncan died last night at the Scarborough General Hospital.

Police told Guardian Media just after midnight that the men were gambling at Douglas’ home along Black Rock Main Road when they were ambushed by three men.

 

The men were shot about the body. They were all pronounced dead at the scene.

The fourth victim was shot and suffered a broken leg during his escape, police sources told Guardian Media.

Relatives say Douglas was collateral damage

A relative of Douglas, who didn’t want to be named, believes he was collateral damage, and the intended target was Mc Cain, who lives in Mt Pleasant.

Samuel McCain

She said the family is in shock and having a hard time dealing with the murder. She said, “If you shoot him, why you had to shoot him in his head when you’re leaving? They could have left him; he already got shot in his chest.

“I just hear about eight gunshots. My mother screamed out ‘gunshots’. We saw the men come out and circle the shop, then went under the shop to see who was hiding. They found a boy hiding under there and they kicked him up. “The family is grieving. They are devastated; they don’t want to talk, they are in shock.”

(guardian.tt)