(Trinidad Guardian) A Tobago teenager was killed during a shooting at a bar on the island yesterday morning, while her friend was also hurt.
Precious Wills, 17, of John Gorman Trace, Bon Accord, died around 3.12 am at the Up Top Bar & Lounge along Milford Road, Crown Point.
Her 18-year-old friend remained warded in a critical condition up to last night at the Scarborough Regional Hospital.
However, police held a suspect in connection with the incident hours after it happened.
Officials of the Tobago House of Assembly, as well as residents and visitors to the island, have all condemned the incident, with many expressing shock and dismay over the record number of killings that have occurred in Tobago since the year began.
Wills was the ninth homicide on the island so far this year.
According to reports, Wills was liming at the bar when a suspect began shooting around 3.05 am. Wills was hit in the chest while her friend was also hit. Both women were rushed to the Scarborough General Hospital but Wills had already succumbed to her injuries. The other woman underwent emergency surgery and was warded.
However, as Wills is a minor, officers say they will also be investigating how she gained access to the bar and whether she was also drinking while there.
Officers from the Crown Point, Shirvan Road and Scarborough Homicide Bureaus are investigating the incident.
In a statement hours after the shooting, officials of the Up Top Bar & Lounge said, “An unfortunate incident occurred last night, while patrons were socialising at our establishment the Up Top Bar in Crown Point.
“A loud explosion was heard and upon investigation, it was discovered that two female patrons were injured. Of the two, one succumbed to her injuries and the other is in critical condition at hospital. Police are investigating the matter.”
The bar’s owner/operator added, “The management intends to urgently and speedily increase security measures at the establishment which will discourage this type of occurrence, as well as provide a measure of safety and comfort to our patrons.”
Extending condolences to Wills’ family and the injured woman, Up Top officials said, “It is never a good feeling to hear news of this nature and even worse when it happens on your premises. Be rest assured that we will do whatever we can to ensure the safety and comfort of our patrons.”