A shop operator was shot dead, while his wife was hospitalised after a gun attack close to their business establishment in Dover district, St Mary on Thursday night.
The deceased has been identified as 54-year-old Manton Hamilton, popularly known as ‘Bob’, of Dover in the parish.
Reports are that about 9:00 p.m., the couple closed their shop and were heading home, when a car with armed men was driven up.
Two of the gunmen alighted from the vehicle and demanded the handbag of Hamilton’s wife.
Despite complying with the demands of the armed robbers, the couple was shot by them.
The men then fled the scene in their motor vehicle.
Hamilton and his wife were taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The injured woman remains admitted in serious condition.
Meanwhile, social media users have condemned the killing of Hamilton, who was also a farmer.
“The life robbers rob, yet again taking with them the life of a good father and husband, quiet man, who to me and many others share the view that he didn’t deserve that ending,” a social media user posted on Facebook.
It continued: “But in all things God knows best. He’s the unseen eyes looking down, so to the Mr heartless. You took Mr Hamilton’s life, but you couldn’t take his soul/spirit or the happy times he shared with his family and friends, even as far back as with his passengers while he was a public transport operator, and now more present with his customers. RIP Mr Hamilton, and sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Another social media user urged the police to leave “no stones unturned” in finding the couple’s attackers.
“Swift justice is needed for Mr Hamilton’s killers. Get well soon to his wife. Police must leave no stones unturned in finding these hoodlums,” the social media user commented.
The St Mary police are continuing their probe into the tragic incident.
