Tobago Correspondent
Tobago investigators have questioned several people in relation to Monday’s quadruple murder in Black Rock, Tobago.
Four men, Anslem Douglas, Gregory Hamlet, Samuel Mc Cain and Jamoki Duncan were killed after gunmen wearing camouflage uniforms stormed Douglas’ home around midnight. The men were gambling at Douglas’ home when the shooting happened.
Mc Cain, Hamlet and Douglas died on the scene. Duncan died just after 9.30 that night.
Head of Tobago’s police ACP Collis Hazel told Guardian Media that investigators are exploring all possible motives at this time. He said, “At this point in time, we are questioning two persons who are suspects in this matter, and we are working feverishly with the other persons in order to bring the matter to some level of closure.”
Snr Supt Rodhill Kirk clarified to Guardian Media that not all the people being questioned are suspects. He said a series of questioning with several people was done throughout Monday and yesterday and will continue today. “The last status we had was that the persons who were questioned were out. I know the investigators are talking to other persons now, but I can’t say if it’s in the capacity of informant or suspect. They, however, didn’t tell me if any suspects are in custody but are talking to people.”
Kirk said he and the officers were “on the ground and there are still things we are doing on the outside now.”
Up to yesterday afternoon, police were still looking at revenge as a possible motive for two murders and shootings in the Mt Pleasant area.
On July 4, two men were injured, and Valsayn resident Desiree Lawrence was killed. A little over one week ago, as Tobago braced for the impact of Hurricane Beryl, Nathan Roach was killed in his bedroom by an unknown gunman at his Mt Pleasant home. Gunmen then returned to the home and attacked a male relative, who managed to escape. Hours after the murders occurred, police asked Tobagonians not to panic.
“At this point in time, I assure you, all is not lost. We are still policing the island. The police were out and about when the incident happened. It was just unfortunate these persons found themselves in such an unwanted situation.” Hazel pleaded with Tobagonians to band together and “root out the recklessness happening in Tobago,” Hazel said on Monday.
He also conceded that Tobago faced a new problem involving high-powered guns, which were used in Monday’s killings.
But Black Rock residents were on edge and shocked by the killings. Residents were tight-lipped and in fear of being the next target. Some were even baffled by the situation. Still, Guardian Media managed to speak to residents and one business in the community. It appears the fear of possibly being the next target weighed heavily on those who lived nearby and even others who witnessed the gunmen fleeing the scene.
A shop owner said that while the area has had its share of violence over the past decade, the murders rocked the community. A relative of one of the deceased said she has no faith in the police.
“Too much shooting and killing in Tobago. Crime is going on, and it feels like nothing is being solved.”