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A Sangre Grande mechanic was gunned down by a one-legged man who became enraged because he had to wait too long to collect $100 he had asked the boss and employees of the business place for.
Shammie Phillip, 35, was at his Ramdass Street, Sangre Grande workplace around 10.30 am when he was shot in the head at point blank range by the man, who lives next door, police said.
According to police reports, the suspect usually went to Phillip’s workplace every payday (Fridays) to ask the owner of the business, a garbage collection contractor and his employees for assistance because one of his legs was amputated a few months ago.
Yesterday, the amputee went to the business’ gate and asked for $100, but was asked to wait until employees were paid. He stood opposite the business for a while before he left.
However, he returned to the compound later, said good morning to the boss and went to Phillip, who was standing close to a vehicle behind the main gate.
The amputee then pulled out a gun and shot Phillip in his head. Phillip died instantly
An employee who saw when Phillip was shot called for assistance and other workers ran outside where they saw their co-worker lying dead.
The attacker then reportedly hopped across to his home and sat at the back. Police who responded were able to arrest him without any resistance sometime afterwards.
He told reportedly told police he killed Phillip because he was “frustrated and distressed” over his inability to take care of himself since his amputation.
As news spread, family members rushed to Phillip’s workplace.
His girlfriend Marisha became hysteric and sat near her boyfriend holding on to the iron gate and screaming. She sat on the ground until police removed her. Phillip’s sisters and nephew were also comforted by police officers.
Phillip, who was from Vega de Oropouche, was described by villagers as a quiet man who loved to play music.
They said when he was not working he would ply his car for hire from Sangre Grande to Vega de Oropouche. He was described by his boss and co-workers as a hardworking individual who was always punctual and when asked to work extra time never refused.
District Medical Officer Dr Elijah Fagorala viewed the body and ordered its removal to the Forensic Sciences Centre, St James, for a postmortem on Monday.
The 34-year-old suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged with murder. Phillip’s murder brought the toll for the year to 353.
Visiting the scene were Snr Supt Garth Nelson, Acting ASPs Joseph, Etienne, Insp Ken Lutchman, Cpl Joseph and Pcs Cielto, Samuel, and Thomas. Cpl Stanisclaus of Homicide Bureau Region II Arouca is continuing investigations.
This was the second murder in Sangre Grande within a few days. Last Thursday, Dr Sinanan Lutchman, of Guaico, Tamana, was gunned down at his Paul Street, Sangre Grande office.
RALPH BANWARIE