Man charged with murder for killing 24-year-old neighbour in Trinidad

Trinidad and Tobago: A 27-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his neighbour, 24-year-old Renaldo Herminez of St Ann's Hill West, Mayaro, Trinidad, on December 23. According to the police reports, on the day of the incident, the victim was reportedly walking along a track south of St Ann's Road when he was approached by an armed man who was dressed in dark clothing. The suspect then shot at Herminez and fled the scene. Residents of the area heard the suspected gunshots and notified the police.

Pcs Ramkissoon, Sarabjit and Wpc Ali responded and took Herminez to the Mayaro health facility, where he received medical attention; however, he succumbed to his injuries about 45 minutes later.

The police officials launched an investigation into the incident following the death of the victim. A few days later, they got hold of the suspect through some neighbours of Herminez.

It was found that both the men had some ongoing disputes, and they also engaged in arguments a few times before the shooting incident. When the police officials reached the suspect's house for investigation, they found that he was on the run, which led the police to further investigation.

He was later found on January 17 and was reportedly hiding at a friend's residence in Trinidad. The charge was announced to Brandon Baptiste, aka "Posh" and "Posh Corbeau", of St Ann's Village, Mayaro, on Tuesday when he appeared before a Master of the High Court. Baptiste was also charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service also thanked ASP Victor, Insp. Ramjag, W/Insp, for supervising the investigation and to Sylvester and Sgt. Ramsahai, all of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI), Region Two, whose hard work resulted in the arrest of Baptiste on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

He was charged by PC Rambhajan of HBI Region Two-Rio Claro Sub Office on January 22, 2024, following advice received from Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard SC, on that same date.