Family rallies around Pope’s children after brutal killing

KEVON FELMINE

Senior Reporter

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Family and friends are rallying around the children of Rajkumar Pope as they struggle to come to terms with his sudden and violent death, which came just hours after he celebrated his daughter’s completion of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA).

Relatives say the children are being supported during this traumatic period, with counselling expected to be arranged in the coming days.

Rajkumar’s wife, Annie, told Guardian Media that while the situation remains deeply distressing, the children have been coping with the help of relatives and friends.

“Well, they’re ok for now because they have their friends’ support. Their cousin and all the family are here, so it is not that bad, and I am hoping that it stays that way. The school told us when they have to come back out and is organising for them…so I guess everything will happen in its time. We have the support of the family,” she said.

Annie said it was only yesterday that relatives visited the Forensic Science Centre in St James to formally identify Pope’s body.

After the autopsy is completed, funeral arrangements will begin.

A 17-year-old boy remains in police custody in connection with the killing. The suspect, who lives in the same community, was arrested shortly after the incident, which investigators say occurred at a mini-mart. Police are continuing enquiries as they work to determine a motive.

The tragedy happened last Thursday along Cipero Road in Friendship Village, San Fernando.

Pope had just left Gulf City Mall, La Romaine, where he celebrated with his family after his daughter took the SEA exam. He picked up Annie, their two children, ages 11 and 17, and his sister-in-law, and stopped at RD Mini Mart around 6.30 pm to buy bread on their way home.

According to reports, Pope was inside the business when he was suddenly attacked by the suspect, who beat him about the head and face before strangling him.

Despite the assault, Pope was taken to his home, where he began complaining of severe headaches and pain. An ambulance was later called, and he was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital. However, he died while undergoing treatment