Shot dead by a soldier’s bullet

December 14, 2017 in Regional

INFANT Soriah Martin did not die from a fall but from a bullet fired by a soldier.

The soldier pulled the gun and fired on a man who as holding the child. Both were wounded.

The child, who would have turned two next month, was shot in her abdomen.

Gregory Harracksingh, 65, who was holding the child when the solider opened fire on him, was shot in his right arm.

The child’s mother, Deisha Baxam, and her mother, Ingrid Baxam, were unharmed.

Deisha Baxam expressed her heartbreak on her Facebook page on Friday.

“I am speechless. Words can’t explain how I feel right now. (I) know you are in a better place baby. You will always be my Sori. Mommy will miss the moments we had every morning waking before I go to ,work putting on my makeup and asking me if it’s pretty. And always want me bring back an apple for you. God knows best. I love you. RIP”.

A police report said that Deisha Baxam and her family were at home when a dispute erupted with the 29-year-old soldier.

Harracksingh told relatives to call the police and the soldier pulled out his nine millimetre service pistol and discharged one round, police said.

The child fell face down, bleeding.

The child and Harracksingh were taken to the Sangre Grande Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Harracksingh is warded in stable condition.

The soldier was later arrested in his vehicle along Eastern Main Road.

Police seized his service pistol which was loaded with 14 rounds, and 30 additional rounds found on him.

When officers searched his home at Jacelon Trace, Vega de Oropouche they allegedly found 57 more rounds of ammunition.

Officers of Region II Homicide are continuing investigations.

An autopsy on the child is expected to be performed today.