Homicide detectives in Trinidad and Tobago are investigating the suspected murder of an American man who reportedly went out to buy marijuana.
Trinidad and Tobago Police Service identified the victim as Christopher Brown, 43, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado.
Police say Brown had dinner and drinks with friends Wednesday night in Castara, a small fishing village on the island of Tobago. He left them afterward, telling them he was going to purchase marijuana, according to the police report.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. local time, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service officers responded to a report that Brown was found unresponsive in the area. Officials later pronounced him dead at the scene.
Investigators believe he was stabbed, noting several wounds on his body and a metal object protruding from his back. They are still working to determine the motive for the killing.
A 24-year-old suspect is in custody in connection with the death, police said.
Authorities did not immediately confirm whether Brown was visiting Tobago at the time of his death or when he arrived on the island.
Tobago’s Division of Tourism condemned the killing, calling it “the first such act of violence” in the fishing village, which officials described as safe and welcoming.
Trinidad and Tobago has recorded over 330 homicides so far this year, according to police statistics. A state of emergency remains in effect for the twin-island nation. Authorities enacted the measure in July, accusing a criminal network inside the country’s prisons of plotting to kill key government officials and attack public institutions.
The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago recently warned Americans to avoid U.S. government facilities amid growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, which lies just miles from Trinidad.
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