The acting Commanding Officer of the T&T Regiment (TTR), Col Dexter Francis, has dispelled reports made in the media this week linking the death of Cpl Jerry Leacock to voice notes that went viral on social media referencing possible terrorist attacks in T&T.
In a release yesterday, TTR public affairs officer, Captain Stefan Affonso, said based on investigations thus far, “these unfounded links that appear to be confirmed by the media have not been verified and are not linked to Cpl Leacock or any member of the TTR.”
Leacock was described as a distinguished soldier who served T&T with honour and pride.
“After 17 years of dedicated colour service in the TTR, he consistently demonstrated his patriotism and passion to serve his nation,” the release stated.
However, the TTR assured that investigations into the authenticity and source of the voice notes are ongoing by the T&T Police Service and that the TTR continues to support the police with all ongoing investigations.
“The Commanding Officer of the TTR reassures the public that all members of the TTR are committed to the defence of our beloved state and will support all efforts to preserve and maintain law and order,” the release added. In the first audio recording released on social media on Monday, a male voice was heard saying that he was informed of the Isis threat from within prison walls. He warned citizens to stay way from the malls this weekend, but did not identify where the strike would take place.
In the second recording, which was directed to a WhatsApp group, the man uses the word “batch”, which is commonly used by law enforcement officers and makes reference to information he alleges came out of the camp he is in. The male voice goes on to refer to the camp as being close to where the Special Anti-Crime Unit of T&T (SAUTT) operated, which is a military camp in Cumuto. The man then says the word reaching the camp is that Isis is planning to detonate bombs in the malls sometime between Thursday and Sunday.
Leacock was gunned down at his Wallerfield home on Tuesday morning when four young men stormed into his house.
Leacock’s funeral service takes place today at the Rosary Catholic Church, Port-of-Spain, from 10 am.