Police have come across evidence that the murder of 24-year-old Tobago tour guide Michael “Five-O” Jacob was a hit ordered by one of his close friends.
An eyewitness to the murder told investigators Jacob’s murder was planned by five of his friends, one of whom is the son of a prominent businessman and another a special reserve police officer. Police sources told the T&T Guardian they have information that suggests Jacob was killed to silence him.
His body was found in the backseat of a Nissan B14 at Bachan Trace, St Mary’s, Moruga, on May 16. Police said Jacob and his circle of friends had been involved in a series of armed robberies and at the time of his murder he was before the court on a gun-related charge. However, he was trying to turn his life around and after he indicated this to his friends, a plan was hatched to get rid of him permanently.
Police have linked the murder to a massive robbery ring heavily involved in drugs, arms and ammunition. Jacob was initially the main suspect in a murder in the area but “fell off the radar” after an eyewitness gave critical information on the identity of the killer.
On the night Jacob was killed, he was invited to a lime in Princes Town. During the lime he was asked to accompany three men to Lengua Road, Indian Walk. Police believe it was during that trip Jacob was killed.
Investigators are looking for three men in connection with his murder.
Jacob had been a registered tour guide in Tobago and was the owner of Mollie’s Tour Limited. However, he returned to Trinidad because he thought he was too far from his family.
Officers are calling for anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
