BLUE BASIN, TRINIDAD — Gunfire at Wake Claims Life of 22-Year-Old Samuel Johnson, Pushing National Murder Toll to 175

June 9, 2025 — What was meant to be an evening of remembrance and mourning turned into another chapter in Trinidad and Tobago’s relentless wave of gun violence when 22-year-old Samuel Johnson of Waterwheel Bridge Road, Diego Martin, was shot and killed while attending a wake in Blue Basin on Monday night.

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, Johnson was standing among attendees gathered on Ragoo Street, Blue Basin, paying respects to a recently deceased community member, when a lone gunman approached and opened fire on him. The shots rang out shortly after 9 p.m., sending mourners scattering in panic.

Targeted Killing or Random Act?

While the full motive remains unclear, law enforcement sources have not ruled out the possibility that Johnson may have been specifically targeted. No one else at the wake was physically injured during the attack, lending weight to the theory that this was an intentional execution rather than a random act of violence.

Johnson was rushed by bystanders to the St. James Medical Facility, but despite their desperate efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body, which proved fatal.

Community in Shock

Residents of Blue Basin and Diego Martin are reeling from the shock of the brazen attack, which occurred in a relatively quiet residential area. “We were there to grieve someone who just passed away,” one attendee said, still visibly shaken. “And now we are grieving another.”

Johnson, described by neighbors as a “polite young man who kept to himself,” was reportedly not known to police prior to this incident. His family has been left devastated, grappling not only with his sudden death but with the horrifying reality that it unfolded in front of a crowd of grieving loved ones.

Police Presence and Crime Scene Response

Members of the Western Division Task Force and Homicide Bureau of Investigations (Region 1) responded swiftly to the scene, where they cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. Spent shells were recovered on Ragoo Street, and forensic investigators are working to analyze the scene for clues that might lead to the arrest of the shooter.

So far, no arrests have been made, and no motive has been officially confirmed. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses and appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the shooting to come forward.

National Murder Toll Hits 175

With Johnson’s death, the national homicide tally for 2025 has now reached 175, signaling a concerning upward trend that has continued to plague the country’s communities, despite calls for reforms and tougher enforcement.

Activists and citizens alike have expressed deep frustration over the increasing boldness of criminals and the seemingly unchecked violence occurring in spaces once considered safe—like wakes, places of worship, and schools.

“This isn’t just about one man,” said a local community organizer. “It’s about the larger pattern of violence that continues to take lives indiscriminately. Today it was Samuel, tomorrow it could be any one of us.”

Public Urged to Assist in Investigation

Media personality Ian Alleyne has called for public support in solving this crime, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Those with tips are asked to WhatsApp +1 (868) 294-4081 or submit anonymous reports at Ianalleyne.org.

Authorities have echoed this appeal, noting that community cooperation is critical in combating organized and street-level violence.

Final Thoughts

The tragic killing of Samuel Johnson while attending a wake is a stark reminder of the increasing brazenness of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago. A community gathered to mourn one life now finds itself mourning another. As police continue their investigation, the nation once again asks: When will the violence end?

Stay tuned to Crime Watch with Ian Alleyne and local news outlets for continuing updates on this case.

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