Trinidad and Tobago homicide detectives are investigating the suspected murder of an American tourist found fatally stabbed on Wednesday.
The victim was identified as Christopher Brown, 43, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service told ABC News.
Police learned that Brown had dinner and drinks with friends Wednesday evening in Castara, a small fishing village on the island of Tobago. He then left his friends, telling them he was going to buy marijuana, according to the police report seen by The Associated Press.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. local time, officers responded to a report that Brown had been found unconscious in the area. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe Brown was stabbed, noting several wounds on his body and a metal object protruding from his back. Investigators are still trying to determine the motive for the murder.
“I can confirm that a suspect is currently in custody,” Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro told The Associated Press on Thursday, without sharing further information about the arrested individual.
Authorities have not said whether Brown was visiting Tobago at the time of his death or when he arrived on the island.
Tobago’s Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transport Division condemned the killing, saying it was the “first act of violence of its kind” in the fishing village.
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“The Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation is deeply saddened and deeply troubled by the tragic murder of a foreign national in the peaceful community of Castara,” the division said in a press release.
“The Division strongly condemns this horrific act of violence and extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this unimaginably difficult time. »
“We are devastated by this loss and unequivocally condemn this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that Tobago remains a safe, peaceful and welcoming destination for all who visit our shores,” added Secretary Tashia Burris.
“The Division is in close communication with authorities and has already activated its visitor trauma response protocols to provide the necessary support to the family on the island,” the statement added. “In the face of this deeply troubling incident, the Division remains steadfast in its ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures, support community engagement and improve visitor protection across the island.
Trinidad and Tobago has recorded more than 330 homicides so far this year, according to police statistics. A state of emergency is currently in force in this twin island country. Authorities implemented the measure in July, accusing a criminal network operating in the country’s prisons of plotting to kill key government officials and attack public institutions.
The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago warned Americans to stay away from U.S. government facilities in the sister country in October, amid growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela following deadly U.S. strikes in Caribbean waters targeting suspected drug traffickers.
The embassy did not specify why it issued the warning, saying only that “due to a heightened state of alert, please avoid and refrain from visiting all U.S. government facilities,” while urging people to “be aware of their surroundings.”
Venezuela is located just a few kilometers from Trinidad, where residents of a coastal community are mourning the loss of two local fishermen believed to have been killed in a U.S. strike in October.
— With files from The Associated Press
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