(Trinidad Guardian) Despite efforts by Tafari Gabriel Charles to avoid becoming a victim of crime, he was killed during a home invasion on Thursday night.
Yesterday, his aunt and uncle fought back tears outside the Forensic Science Centre, St James, minutes after identifying his body.
Susan and Gerard Mc Kenzie described their nephew as “an angel”.
The 23-year-old Republic Bank Limited employee was killed sometime between 11.40 pm and midnight on Thursday, after being shot at his Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Petit Valley home.
Police reports said Charles was at home with other people when two suspects were seen entering the premises.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that Charles, who had been in his bedroom, was alerted that one of the men, who was armed with a gun, had entered the house and was demanding cash and valuables.
Police said Charles allegedly came out from his bedroom and confronted the suspect, demanding that he leave. However, a struggle ensued and he was shot twice.
As Charles slumped to the ground, the armed suspect walked out of the house and the two bandits escaped in an unknown direction.
Charles was taken to the St James Medical Complex by police officers but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Evidence collected from the scene at Charles’ home included two 9mm spent shells, along with a gold ring and chain, which was left behind by the bandits.
Yesterday, his uncle Gerard remembered the 23-year-old as a diligent young man. Saying he was proud of Charles and his accomplishments as a young man in today’s society, the uncle added, “The man never missed a day from his job. He was always neat … his clothes always ironed.”
Charles’ aunt Susan chimed in, “He used to make his own lunch to carry to work because he wanted to save money.”
The grieving couple said Charles was always careful not to be sucked into a life of crime like other young men.
They lamented that despite this, crime came to Charles’ house, resulting in him being killed.
Recalling their last interaction with him on Sunday while he was at their house, Susan remembered pressing him about getting married.
“Auntie soon … soon,” she said he had promised laughingly.
Charles’ killing proved to be a double whammy for the family, as Thursday marked nine days since Susan’s sister had died.
Gerard remembered Charles telling him, “Outside too rough Uncle Gerry and I don’t want to be out there.”
“It is a real innocent child they kill. He is a serious youth man,” Gerard said.
The couple said the family had been looking forward to attending an upcoming reggae concert planned for April next year.
Charles’ aunt and uncle said they were hopeful they would get justice for their nephew’s murder.
“God is in charge and he will deal with it. The police will do their job, I know they will try their best,” said Gerard.
Meanwhile, Susan affirmed, “We will get justice in Jesus name … we will.”