Suspect in custody after American man killed in Tobago, police say

Trinidad and Tobago homicide detectives are investigating the alleged murder of an American man after he reportedly went out to try to buy marijuana.

The victim has been identified as Christopher Brown, 43, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado, according to a local police report.

Police were told Brown had dinner and drinks with friends Wednesday night in Castara, a small fishing village on the island of Tobago. He then left his friends and told them he was going to buy 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 unconscious in the area and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe he was stabbed as they said he had several wounds on his body and a metal object was found protruding from his back. Investigators are still trying to determine the motive for the murder.

“I can confirm that a suspect is currently in custody,” Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro told The News on Thursday afternoon.

Authorities did not immediately say whether Brown was visiting Tobago at the time of this death or when he arrived on the island.

Tobago’s Tourism Division condemned the killing and said it was “the first act of violence of its kind” in the fishing town known for being safe and welcoming, officials said.

Trinidad and Tobago has recorded more than 330 homicides so far this year, according to police statistics. A state of emergency is currently in effect for the two-island nation. Authorities implemented the measure in July, accusing a criminal network in prisons across the country of plotting to kill key government officials and attack public institutions.

The United States Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago Recently issued a warning for Americans in the country. The alert warned Americans in the island nation to stay away from U.S. government facilities amid rising tensions between United States and Venezuela. Venezuela is just kilometers from Trinidad.