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The man was shot dead at Valpark Shopping Plaza on Wednesday night has been identified. He is Miguel Lawrence, of Point Fortin. According to reports, around 10:15 p.m. Lawrence had just exited a popular nightclub with his girlfriend when several explosions were heard. The man collapsed on the ground while the woman escaped injury. Witnesses told police they saw several men running into a nearby vehicle, which then sped out of the compound. Officers from the Northern Division and the Homicide Bureau responded, and paramedics were called, but the victim died at the scene. The area was cordoned off, and several spent shells were recovered. When the Express arrived, relatives of the deceased had gathered at the scene. At least three other businesses on the compound remained open, and loud music could still be heard. Patrons were seen sitting and having drinks while watching police process the scene. The killing is the latest in a string of shootings at commercial compounds. Earlier this month, 34-year-old Kwando Guillium, of Division Drive, La Puerta, Diego Martin, was fatally shot at East Side Plaza on Charlotte Street, Port of Spain. Guillium, a custodian, was attacked by two men who opened fire on him in broad daylight. In May, 34-year-old Lekemus Murphy, of Woodbine Terrace, Bournes Road, St. James, was killed in a confrontation with security guards at Long Circular Mall after he allegedly robbed a woman in the car park. Murphy was a father of two.
