Trinidad artiste Antonio “Wacko Dan” Reyes was fatally shot outside his relatives' home in St Ann’s yesterday morning, just days after he released a "diss track" that allegedly directed obscenities and threats at a gang leader. The 22-year-old man was shot multiple times in the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police found 5.56mm and 9mmm casings at the scene
Eyewitnesses reported that two gunmen dressed in black with bullet-proof vests, masks, and military-style boots arrived in a white Hilux and began shooting at Reyes and his friends. The other two men managed to flee, but the gunmen continued to shoot Reyes at close range. Reyes died at the scene, and his face was almost unrecognizable due to the severity of the shooting.
While police have stated that Reyes' murder was gang-related, residents in Symond Valley Road believe he was killed because of a video he posted on YouTube just a week ago. In the video, Reyes allegedly targeted a gang leader with explicit and violent lyrics. Some residents believe that Reyes' choice of music and lyrics led to his untimely death.
Reyes was visiting his sister around 8 am when the gunmen attacked him. The shooting sent shockwaves through the area, with residents expressing their grief and concern over the situation. Reyes was described as a bright, ambitious, and hard-working young man, and while he was not seen as disrespectful, some residents noted that his mouth often got him into trouble.
As the investigation into Reyes' murder continues, many are left wondering about the tragic loss of a promising young artist. It remains to be seen whether the lyrics of his "diss track" contributed to his death or whether there were other factors at play. Nevertheless, his death is a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague Trinidad and Tobago, and the need for greater efforts to curb gang-related activity in the country.