(Trinidad Guardian) Insensitive comments by a person recording a cell phone video of the body of a man who was fatally shot, have generated ire among social media users.
The deceased has been identified as national athlete, Josiah Patrice, Gasparillo. He also worked as a bartender.
According to police reports, at about 12:15 pm on Thursday 19 November 2020, a motorist was driving along Connector Road in Reform Village, near Gasparillo, when he saw a man kneeling on the road. The driver stopped and the man reportedly asked for help as he collapsed. The driver called the police.
Upon arrival at the scene, the officers found a 300-metre blood trail that led to 9 mm shells. Patrice’s body was found in a grassy area at the edge of the roadway.
Comments made by the man recording the video of Patrice’s bloody body caused a stir on social media.
The man reportedly said: “Man get bullet. Bullet in he M….. C… News allyuh, down Reform Road allyuh, done know, dead man. If allyuh know him, allyuh family come and get him.”
Social media users felt the high number of murders in the country has caused people to become desensitised; others said he was illiterate and had no respect for the dead. Patrice’s jewellery was missing. However, police are still trying to determine a motive for his killing. On Facebook, blogger TTgameplan extended its “condolences to the family, friends, teammates and loved ones of #TeamTTO athlete, Josiah Patrice”. They also posted a photo of Patrice participating at the NAAA TT Series #4 Meet, in February, where he had set a new personal best in the 200-metre event.
Investigations are ongoing.
