Police responded to an apparent murder early Monday morning, only to find the body was that of one of their own.
Bowed heads and solemn faces told the tale at Kingsland Drive, Christ Church, as lawmen probed the stabbing death of Constable Shayne Welch, 31.
He was killed in an apparent love triangle at his home. The body was found lying in his driveway just after 5:30 a.m.
Welch, who joined the force in May 2007, was stationed at Oistins Police Station.
A video circulating on social media purported to detail some of the circumstances surrounding the matter.
A female police officer was said to have been connected to the dispute involving Welch and another man, who is now in police custody.
An eyewitness told the DAILY NATION the suspect went to the house, left and then returned. She reported that on his return, she heard a commotion and subsequently saw Welch and the man scuffling outside the house.
Uncle Michael Welch, who was on the scene, lamented the way his nephew lost his life.
“To me it is sad that people cannot really solve their problems without resorting to gun or knife.
“Right now I do not know what happen. All I know is that I got this call at about 6 a.m. and somebody tell me Shayne dead, he out here lying down on the ground dead; somebody stab him up,” he added.
He said the young lawman never knew his father who lived overseas, while his mother passed away while he was young – something that had shaken him deeply. However, he noted that the family had rallied around him and kept him on track.
He described Shayne, who celebrated his birthday just last Thursday, as “very cool, quiet and easy-going”.
Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith described Welch as a dedicated officer, adding his commander said he always gave of his best. (LK)
