By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A 35-year-old man out on bail was “lured” to his death yesterday afternoon, becoming the country’s seventh murder victim for the year.

The murder happened shortly before noon, off Market Street.

Police have not released the identity of the victim, but The Tribune understands he is Ivarino Cooper. Cooper was out on bail awaiting trial for armed robbery.

According to Chief Superintendent Paul Rolle, officer in charge of the Central Detective Unit, the victim received a phone call from a man asking him to meet him in Hark Rock Alley. He said when the victim arrived he was ambushed and shot to death.

“Shortly before noon, police received reports of gunshots being discharged in the Hard Rock Alley area off Market Street,” Chief Supt Rolle said.

“Officers responded to this location where they met an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds about the body.

“Emergency Medical Services were summoned to the scene to examine the body, but pronounced him dead.

“What we do know at this time is that the victim was lured here by an individual who contacted him to meet at this location.”

“While standing here waiting for the individual to meet him he was accosted and shot multiple times about the body. The suspect fled the area on foot.”

Chief Supt Rolle said officers are following significant leads and hope to make an arrest soon.

He declined to comment on whether or not the victim was known to police but did say: “I knew him personally.”

Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

Investigations continue.