07/07/2025
Tunapuna Mother of Three Gunned Down in Cold Blood in Chaguanas
A 34-year-old mother of three was shot and killed in what loved ones are calling a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence on Friday night in Enterprise, Chaguanas.
Valene Vanessa Campbell, of Marcano Street, Tunapuna, was found face-down in a concrete drain around 7:50 p.m., shortly after residents reported hearing gunshots in the area. Responding officers from the Chaguanas CID discovered Campbell with a single gunshot wound to the upper back. Her purse was found beside her body, leading investigators to rule out robbery as a motive.
News of her death sent shockwaves through her Tunapuna community, where friends and family gathered in disbelief. Many remembered her as a vibrant and selfless woman, devoted entirely to her three children — the youngest just six years old.
“She was the life of the party,” recalled a close friend and neighbour, Candace. “You could call on her anytime, for anything, and she was there. She lived for her kids — that was her world.”
Candace shared that Campbell had messaged her around 5:48 p.m. that evening, saying she was heading to Chaguanas to meet someone. That would be the last message she ever received from her.
“I kept trying to reach her for the rest of the evening. I knew something was wrong when the calls kept going unanswered,” she said. “Later, I saw police jeeps driving through the neighbourhood and told my friend — if they're coming for Valene, something bad happened. And just like that, my worst fear came true.”
Police have not confirmed any suspects or motive as investigations continue.
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Second Fatal Shooting in Matura
In a separate and unrelated incident that same night, a man was shot dead near a cell tower along Thomas Trace, Matura.
At approximately 8:28 p.m., police from the Matura and Toco stations, while conducting road checks nearby, were alerted by multiple gunshots in the area. When they arrived at the scene, officers discovered the man in a bushy area about five feet off the road. He was wearing a headlamp and initially showed signs of life.
Officers rushed him to the Sangre Grande Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His identity remains unknown at this time. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted.
So far, 196 murders have been recorded for the year.
