Confusion, grief, and disbelief have descended the St John communities of Colleton and Gall Hill where a young man was gunned down on a day, which for many is one of worship and reflection.
The sight of 26-year-old Rasheed Howell’s bullet-riddled body lying lifelessly just metres off the road in the blistering midday heat was more than they could bear.
“Around 8:56 a.m….police responded to the area of Colleton, St John where gunshots were heard and the body of a male was found motionless on the ground. On arrival, police discovered the lifeless body of an adult male. He was pronounced dead on the scene,” confirmed acting police public relations officer, Sergeant Michael Blackman.
Among the onlookers were Rasheed’s parents who drew as near as they could to the police barricade. Just after midday, his father identified the body, but his mother could not be consoled. They declined to speak with the media.
Police and residents of St John gather at the scene where Rasheed Howell was shot dead.
“All I know is that he was a quiet boy. That’s all I can tell you,” said a woman who would only identify herself as his aunt.
As the body was removed from the scene by a team from Two Son’s Funeral Home, the cries of a grieving mother pierced the air.
“No, No, No, No!” she cried.
“Oh God help me! Oh God help me! Oh God help me!” she continued before being hurriedly taken to a vehicle and transported from the scene.
The man who said he was the deceased’s father said: “We aren’t giving any information right now.”
Barbados TODAY understands that Rasheed was from the neighbouring community of Gall Hill and part of a large extended family living there.
The incident has left police once again appealing for the public’s assistance as they probe Barbados’ 5th murder for 2020.
kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb
