Cousins killed in Penal shooting

Radhica De Silva
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

Police are searching for gunmen who fired upon two cousins in Penal on Wednesday night, killing them both. Mario De Leon, 45, a bar owner, and his cousin Gerald Felix, 55, a water pump repairman, were shot around 7:10 pm on Dookie Street, Penal when gunmen opened fire outside the home of Felix’s son, Ancil Felix.

Investigators said Felix was at his Dookie Street home when he heard several loud explosions. When the gunfire stopped, he went outside and found De Leon lying on the roadway near his blue Mitsubishi Lancer, with multiple gunshot wounds. A short distance away, his father, Gerald Felix, was also found with gunshot wounds.

With the assistance of neighbours, Felix placed his father in a van and rushed him to the Siparia Health Facility. However, he died at the hospital around 7:50 pm, just 40 minutes after the shooting. De Leon’s body remained in front of the gate until it was viewed by the District Medical Officer and removed to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy.

Officers from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region Three retrieved 12 spent 9mm shells, a red Nike cap, and a projectile at the scene of the crime. Police said they are exploring all leads and have yet to determine the motive behind the double murder. However, investigators believe the gunmen may have been targeting De Leon, as his vehicle, which was wrecked and taken to the Penal Police Station, sustained gunshot damage to its rear window.

The police are urging anyone with information about the killings to call Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS or contact Assistant Commissioner of Police (South) ACP Wayne Mystar at 486-9999.

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