A 35-year-old man was shot and killed just metres away from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Philippine residence on Saturday night.
Police said Hollis Anthony Koylass, also known as Christopher Koylass and “Forz,” was liming at The Chill Bar and Lounge shortly before midnight when he was reportedly called outside by someone seated in a vehicle. As he approached, two masked men allegedly opened fire.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Yesterday, at the family’s home in Hillpiece, Philippine, Koylass’ older sister, Krystal, said the family was traumatised by his killing.
She said she last spoke to her brother on Saturday after he visited her upon learning she was unwell. According to her, they spoke briefly, he had a cup of coffee, and then left.
Koylass lived alone in Dow Village, South Oropouche. He was unmarried and had no children.
His sister said he had previously been involved in an altercation in 2021 during which he was chopped. That matter is still before the court.
She also said there had been another dispute earlier this year involving Koylass and men he grew up with in the village, but noted that it had been resolved.
Krystal said her brother had recently confided to a relative that he felt unsafe and had been struggling with sleep, adding that he had been drinking heavily.
She described his death as devastating for the family, saying his mother suffered a mental breakdown and was hospitalised following news of the killing.
She also expressed doubt that the family would receive justice, referencing the case of two-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza in Tobago.
“I think the authorities trying, but criminals just being their self—criminals. They trying SoE and nothing happening. What they could do? But I know we not going to get no closure for this,” she said.
San Fernando police are continuing investigations.
