Murder toll hits new record, 58% increase over 2007

Murderers have taken the lives of 106 citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in the first 90 days of 2008. That's a new record and an increase of 58 per cent over the same period for last year, when 61 homicides were recorded. Over the weekend, there were four killings.

According to local media reports, so far five inquests have been ordered, one person has been charged with manslaughter and nine killings have not been classified. And statistics show the detection rate continues to decline. Another chilling reality is that even when cases go to court many accused walk free because witnesses are either killed, intimidated or suffering from temporary amnesia.

Five women were among the victims for 2008.

In one brazen weekend killing a teenager lost his life defending stolen cocaine. In two incidents the victims were shot and killed while liming.

Guns are the most common murder weapons in the country today, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the homicides. A recent report pointed to a thriving gun-for-food trade between criminals and gun dealers in Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

Read the story: Guns for food