By Azara Lavia
Carnival culminated in a heart-breaking turn of events when a fatal shooting on the fringes of the final parade forced the ‘Caribbean’s greatest summer festival’ to come to an abrupt halt.
Kergus Junior Martin, also known as ‘Lion’, became Antigua and Barbuda’s seventh murder victim of the year.
The Liberta resident, 43, was shot multiple times in a chilling incident that unfolded on Tuesday night at “Shanty Town” by East Bus Station.
Three other people were injured, two of them critically.
According to a police press statement, at around 11pm an unknown armed assailant fired several shots at a group of people under a tent. A man wearing dark clothing and a mask on his face was reportedly seen in the area.
Martin was taken to the hospital, along with a 28-year-old man of Gambles and a 17-year-old and 18-year-old, both of Liberta. Martin was declared dead at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
The 17-year-old was treated and discharged, while the other two victims are said to remain in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.
Police yesterday appealed to anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or CrimeStoppers at 800-Tips (8477). Reports reaching Observer last night indicated that a suspect was in custody and being questioned.
Meanwhile a wanted bulletin has been issued by the police for the arrest of George Akeba Chiddick of 3 George Street, Green Bay.
He is wanted in connection with a separate shooting at the latter address that wounded a young woman in her left leg.
The incident occurred around 8:30am on Tuesday. The victim was treated at the hospital and later discharged.
Chiddick is believed to be armed and dangerous. Police are urging him to surrender himself immediately at any police station.
