By INDARJIT SEURAJ Wednesday, August 12 2009

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MURDER VICTIM: Stephan 'Gangsta' Mark....

Morvant’s first murder since the slaying of community leader Sean “Bill” Francis over three months ago, was recorded yesterday, just metres from where Francis was gunned down.

The victim yesterday was identified as 25-year-old Stephan Mark, also called “Gangsta”.

He was shot and killed while sleeping at his home off Unity Lane, Second Caledonia Road Extension, Vegas.

The murder toll now stands at 329, according to Police statistics.

Francis, 41, also of Second Caledonia, was shot and killed on April 27, this year, while liming with relatives outside his home.

Yesterday, residents had reported hearing gunshots at about 4 am yesterday, but Mark’s body was only discovered later that morning at about 8 am.

Investigators said he was shot as he slept, possibly with a shotgun. The bullets reportedly hit his chest and continued through his throat.

Neighbours had found his back door broken down, which led them to his bloodied body.

Investigators were still to determine a motive for the killing, and were still trying to determine whether his murder was linked to the recovery of two high powered firearms in Vegas, hours before.

Homicide Bureau detective Sgt Eric Parks led a team of investigating officers which also included PC Marvin Pinder. Cpls Neville Arcia and Ramjohn also visited the scene.

Special Anti-Crime Unit of TT (Sautt) officers continued investigations at the scene.