Police have arrested one individual as they investigate the fatal shooting of 34-year-old carpenter Homton Chichester, known as “Orlando,” on Sunday night along the Bare Root Access Road. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 PM, has left family and friends devastated.
Police Commander of Region 4C, Khali Pareshram, confirmed the arrest, stating that investigations are ongoing. Chichester’s body was discovered lying motionless on the roadway, showing suspected gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulder. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Reports suggest that Chichester was involved in a recent altercation with a resident from the Dazzle Housing Scheme, tied to accusations of an affair with that man’s wife.
Chichester’s mother, Mary Smith-Chichester, is advocating for justice. She revealed that her son had returned home to celebrate his son’s birthday. “I was inside when I heard residents telling my daughter that my son was shot and he’s dead,” she recalled. Initially in disbelief, she soon learned the heartbreaking truth.
Upon arriving at the scene, she said, “I saw a crowd and when I looked, I saw my son lying. From the way he looked, I knew he was dead.” She added that his motorbike was found nearby, contributing to the tragedy of the moment.
Smith-Chichester shared that her son had come home specifically to be with his son, who was yearning for his father’s presence on January 13, his birthday. On the evening of the shooting, Chichester had left to get a haircut, promising to return shortly.
Describing him as hardworking and straightforward, she emphasized that he had no known enemies, stating, “He didn’t have problems with anyone I know of. He had one incident, and it resolved in a peaceful way.”
As she copes with the loss, Smith-Chichester clings to her faith, hoping for justice. “God’s time is the best time. I trust God that whoever shot my son multiple times will be found,” she proclaimed.
The community mourns the loss of a valued member as the investigation progresses.
