Linden businessman shot dead, found bound and gagged

Police are investigating the murder of 32-year-old Romel Edison Gomes known as ‘Eddie’, a self-employed businessman, of 53 Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden.

Police said that the murder occurred at about 17:30hrs Monday at Gomes’ shop which is attached to the front of his house by two males, one armed with a handgun.

Investigations revealed that Gomes and the suspects were seen arguing inside of the shop and a short while later, a loud explosion was heard.

The suspects were seen fleeing the scene with the victim’s motor car – PVV 2057 – which was parked in front of the shop.

According to a police statement, Gomes was discovered in a pool of blood with his hands bound in front and a bandana tied around his mouth. He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex in an unconscious state and was pronounced dead on arrival.

A suspected gunshot wound was seen on the right temple, a small laceration on top of the head and another lacerated wound to the neck.

The scene was processed and a spent shell of a small calibre weapon was found along with a kitchen knife with suspected bloodstain. The victim’s bedroom was found ransacked. It is not known if anything was stolen, police said.

No arrests have been made thus far and a post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow.

Police subsequently reported that they recovered Gomes’ car at One Mile Wismar about 09:00hrs this morning; it appears intact.