The employer of 27-year-old Tyrel Robinson has spoken out following the fatal shooting on Monday evening, describing him as a hard-working father who was actively seeking a second chance in life.
Aaron Castillo, who hired Robinson six months ago at Jun’s Meat Shop inside the Michael Finnegan Market, remembered him as a friendly worker who was well-liked by shoppers.
“I mi watch pan ah, and ih mi look like ney lee street bwai, but I give the man a chance because he mi look like he mi want change his life,” Castillo said, adding that Robinson always treated customers with respect.
According to reports, an armed assailant approached the shop shortly after 5:00 p.m. along West Collet Canal and opened fire at Robinson at close range. “I mi de right yah when dat mi di happen but I mi di serve and the same time when I hear the gunshot gone off. And when I spin round da when I see what mi di happen,” Castillo recalled, noting that he fled the area fearing anyone nearby could be hurt.
Robinson was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the murder, market vendors are calling for increased police presence and stricter entry controls, with Castillo urging authorities to station armed security officers at all market gates and prohibit anyone wearing helmets or face coverings from entering the facility.
The fatal attack left behind troubling questions about why Robinson was targeted, as he had survived a previous attempt on his life in 2023 when two men on bicycles opened fire outside his Bocotora Street home.
Robinson had also faced legal troubles in 2019, when he was arrested and charged with theft, attempted theft, and damage to property after allegedly snatching a gold chain from Magistrate Tanisha Smith near the market.
