By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

GUNMEN opened fire on two male relatives who sat talking outside a home at Dorsett Street, Fox Hill yesterday afternoon killing one of them and pushing the country’s murder count to 119 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

This marked the second killing in four days, after a man was shot dead at Potter’s Cay Dock on Friday, the day before his birthday.

When reporters arrived at the scene in Fox Hill, relatives of the victim were sobbing and consoling each other.

A shopkeeper told The Tribune that he immediately ran to lock his doors and hide when he heard more than ten shots ring out in the “small, tight-knit” community. He added that he was too terrified to look outside of the shop to see what had taken place.

According to Chief Superintendent Rolle, the relatives were sitting on buckets talking when a maroon coloured Honda pulled up and one of its occupants called out to the victim. Police have said it is too early to release the man’s identity.

“Earlier this afternoon shortly before 2pm, what we understand is that two males, one aged 22 and the other 23, were sitting on some buckets here on the side of the street when persons pulled up in a burgundy or maroon coloured Honda and called one of the young men.

“As he got up and walked toward the vehicle, occupants produced a firearm and began discharging shots in his direction. This individual ran and the assailant exited the vehicle and pursued him, discharging multiple shots again at him. EMS arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and pronounced this male lifeless.”

Chief Supt Rolle said police did not have a motive for the shooting.

He declined to comment when asked by The Tribune if police knew the victim.

He added that the second male who was also shot was taken from the scene in a private vehicle, but suggested this victim was not taken to hospital.

“I appeal to him as well and to his family to come and see us and let us provide the necessary assistance that they require. I appeal again to this family because I know the family very well having dealt with them and ask them to come and see me so that we can assist them in trying to bring some resolution to this homicide here this afternoon.”

The shooting came days after a popular social spot for locals and tourists quickly turned into an horrific scene when a man who was just about to get into a vehicle was shot multiple times and killed.

An eyewitness told The Tribune that they were forced to duck and run for cover as two gunmen opened fire at Potter’s Cay Dock. Another man was also shot during the attack, but he survived his injuries and is in hospital in stable condition.

While police have not officially released his identity, The Tribune understands the deceased is Strauss “Slater” Edwards, a father of one.

“He was just getting in the car and two men ran up on him and another guy,” the eyewitness said. “My friends and I we ran because we didn’t know what would happen next. It was terrifying to watch.”

Yesterday, Chief Supt Rolle said while police have no one in custody at this time, an intense investigation and search for the suspects is ongoing.

According to police, shortly before 10pm, two men who were about to get into a vehicle at Potter’s Cay, when two men armed with handguns shot them before fleeing on foot. Both men were rushed to the hospital where one of them died.

The victim’s friends expressed disbelief on social media site Facebook over the weekend.

A woman who identified herself as the victim’s girlfriend said: “Who would have thought that literally five minutes after you sent that voice note I would have received the call? ‘How far are you? Don’t come. Slater just got shot’.

“It could not have been true. I still don’t believe it’s true. (It was) just when we were preparing to celebrate your birthday. Why? How? Seeing you helpless in that car brought an ocean of tears to my eyes. I still replay that voice note in denial that something so tragic happened so fast. Missing you is an understatement. I don’t know if to say happy birthday or rest in peace. I just know I love you but God loved you best. Rest in paradise my pumpkin.”

Davori Brown, another of the victim’s friends, said he will never forget seeing Edwards helpless after being shot.

He said: “I’m still in total disbelief. A paragraph wouldn’t be enough to express my feelings. Who would have thought last night (Friday) would have been our last ride out? Telling you I’m going for my girl, I’ll be back. Coming back to seeing you helpless.”

Police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information they might have to assist them in solving this case.