The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service says it will relentlessly hunt the criminals responsible for killing three people, including a 23-month-old boy, in a shooting incident in Belmont on Thursday.
The shooting took place around 8:35am and left toddler Akanni Kaffi, his father, Akil Kaffi, and a family friend, Anthony Wilson, dead.
Akanni’s mother remains hospitalised.
In a media release shortly after the incident, the TTPS shared that acts of violence involving innocent citizens, especially children, will be met with a focused and relentless response.
Speaking with TTT News at the scene, Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith suggested that a significant amount of resources will be dedicated to solving the killings.
“We are not taking this lightly, especially this type of murder. This child would have turned two years old in two weeks’ time. So it’s quite ridiculous at this stage, and you know we are not taking this lightly at all. What I’m seeing here are blatant criminals, and we will be going after them.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, meanwhile, appealed for calm in the community and noted that it is important that residents do their part in seeking justice for the trio.
“I will tell the community to stay calm, and I’m asking the citizens in this area to communicate with the police and share any information that may assist in the investigations. We have our intelligence and operational teams on the ground, and they are doing patrols and gathering information in the area.”