PORT OF SPAIN – Senior counsel Dana Seetahal was shot to death in her vehicle early this morning along Hamilton-Holder street in Woodbrook.
According to a report in the Trinidad Express, two vehicles pulled alongside Seetahal, causing her to stop near the Woodbrook Youth Facility.
One of the vehicles, a Nissan Wingroad, then drove ahead a short distance and pulled across the road, blocking it. The other vehicle, which was described as a panel van, pulled alongside and the occupants of that vehicle pulled out their firearms and opened fire on the SUV in which Seetahal was travelling.
The two vehicles then sped off and made good their escape.
Residents of the area, on hearing the gunshots contacted the police and emergency health services. However, despite their swift response, when they arrived, the senior counsel and Express columnist was dead, slumped along her driver’s seat.
The first responders notified their seniors and a party of officers including ACP Wayne Dick, Senior Superintendent Ishmael David, Acting ASP Williams, Inspector Thomas, Inspector Veronique, Inspector Lawrence, and Inspector Rampersad, among others, visited the scene.
Crime scene investigators recovered several 5.62 shells at the scene.
Police are currently working on two theories as a result of this killing. The first, and most prominent, is that because of the nature of the incident it was a “hit” arising out of the Senior Counsel’s involvement in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman case.
The other theory is that she allegedly was on her way home after spending some time in a casino. Officers went to the casino to make inquiries.
Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said he was shocked when contacted by the Express.
“It’s shocking. Crime is a concern especially violent crime. It’s a shocking incident, one you least expect. I had a conversation with her at around 12:45 p.m. on Saturday and everything was fine.
“We need to work as a country together,” Williams said.
The top cop said he had been apprised of the killing, and head of Homicide ACP Wayne Dick has been in constant communication with him.
Williams assured there will be a thorough investigation, and that his officers are on the scene doing a basic investigation. (Express/SAT)
