Man killed outside Penal bar

RADHICA DE SILVA

Senior Multimedia Reporter

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A man believed to be a Venezuelan national was shot dead outside a bar in Penal on Saturday night, a short distance from the Penal Police Station.

Police said the victim had not been formally identified up to Sunday, and investigations into the killing were continuing.

Residents expressed shock that the fatal shooting occurred so close to the police station and said they were surprised that no arrests had been made.

When Guardian Media visited the scene on Sunday, a single apparent bullet hole was visible in a glass door at Sip and Chill Bar. Bloodstains remained outside the premises, while another pool of blood was visible near a nearby parlour.

One resident, who requested anonymity, said the bar remained open late into the night and described the killing as unsettling because of its proximity to the police station.

“That funny because right there it happened, so close to the station,” the resident said.

He said he learned of the incident early on Sunday morning.

“I now get up and heard that they kill somebody by the bar,” he said.

Reflecting on the violence, he added, “You can’t stop that, we can’t help that. We have to live with that.”

Police have not released a motive for the killing, and no suspects had been arrested up to Sunday. Investigations are continuing.