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American Man Found Dead in Tobago After Reported Marijuana Purchase Attempt
CASTARA, TOBAGO – Homicide detectives in Trinidad and Tobago are currently investigating the suspected murder of 43-year-old Christopher Brown, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado, who was reportedly attempting to purchase marijuana when he was killed.
According to a local police report, Brown had dinner and drinks with friends in Castara, a small fishing village on the island of Tobago, on Wednesday night. He then informed his friends that he was leaving to buy marijuana.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. local time, officers from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service were dispatched to the scene after reports that Brown was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the location.
Investigators believe Brown was stabbed, noting multiple wounds on his body and a metal object protruding from his back. The motive for the killing remains under investigation.
“I can confirm that a suspect is currently in custody,” Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro stated on Thursday afternoon.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding Brown’s travel status or when he arrived in Tobago.
Tobago’s Division of Tourism has condemned the killing, highlighting that this is the “first such act of violence” in Castara, a village recognized for its safety and welcoming atmosphere.
Trinidad and Tobago has recorded over 330 homicides this year. The twin-island nation is currently under a state of emergency, implemented in July, following accusations of a criminal network in prisons plotting to assassinate government officials and attack public institutions.
The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago recently issued an alert for Americans in the country, advising them to avoid U.S. government facilities due to heightened tensions between the U.S. and neighboring Venezuela.