Police have arrested Travel Daniels Hammer, 18, an unemployed resident of Trench Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown, in connection with the shooting that claimed the life of 16-year-old Reyna Depeazer.
Depeazer, who was struck by a stray bullet at Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt, succumbed to her injuries yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.
Investigations revealed that at the time of the incident, the victim and a teenage friend were sitting on a motorcycle on Mango Lane, liming, while another motorcycle was parked nearby. It is alleged that the suspect drove up in a white Fielder Wagon motor car (registration number PYY 2896), exited the vehicle with a handgun, and approached the motorcyclist parked next to the victim and her friend. A verbal altercation reportedly ensued between the suspect and the other motorcyclist.
During the altercation, the suspect discharged a round, which struck Depeazer in the neck. She collapsed to the ground, and the suspect immediately returned to his vehicle and fled the scene.
The victim was picked up by police ranks and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she underwent surgery but later succumbed to her injuries. The gunshot wound to her neck proved fatal.
The suspect was later arrested on Mandela Avenue while driving the same motor car. He was informed of the allegation, arrested, and cautioned. Searches were conducted on his person, the vehicle, and at his residence, but no firearm was recovered.
He was taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, where he was swabbed for gunpowder residue. The vehicle was lodged, and the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
