By Kingsley Emmanuel
LESS than a fortnight after two men were shot dead in Bruceville, Vieux-Fort, another two suffered the same fate in the same area in what police believe is an escalation of rival gang violence.
Clent Felix, 27 and Travis Eugene, 25, were gunned down last Saturday about 12.05 a.m. The incident occurred less than 100 metres from where the previous shooting took place, an area where young men usually hang-out for the entire day.
Felix, who is originally from Micoud and Eugene from Laborie, have been living in Vieux-Fort for several years now.
The orgy of deadly violence in Vieux-Fort has residents of the community asking the question: “Who’s next?”
According to Inspector Leonce of the Vieux-Fort Police Station, the surge of deadly violence in the community has occurred because of rivalry among gangs. He identified these gangs as Disappear Crew, Young Face Crew and Biker Boyz Crew.
Commenting on the death of his brother, Polinus Felix said: “I don’t know if he had his ups and downs…but I know him to be a calm and humble person who did not involve himself in violence.”
Jenna Eugene, Travis Eugene’s sister said she was informed of the death of her brother by his girlfriend via phone.
“When I got to the scene I saw my brother in a pool of blood… I called him three times but he did not answer.” she sobbed.
She added that she observed blood around his neck and his face slightly swollen.
The recent upsurge in violent crime in Vieux-Fort, after a lull, started a few months ago, after a man was shot dead while holding his step child in his arms.
Police have not charged anyone in connection with the last three incidents. However, up to press time two men were assisting them in their investigations into Saturday’s incident.
In the incident a few months ago, where a man was shot dead with a child in his arms, one man was held for questioning into the incident, but was later released. His release had angered many residents of Vieux-Fort.
Vieux-Fortians say they are not surprised by the recent shootings. According to them, they expect more violent crimes in the community and fear the situation may soon spiral out of control.
Last week, one of the men slain in a previous shooting was laid to rest in an atmosphere which was tense, as police were on the alert for any violent activity from rival gangs. Another victim was expected to be laid to rest yesterday (Monday).