Police have ruled out foul play in the death of the 19-year-old Lauders resident whose body was found inside a house with a firearm next to his right hand on Sunday.
On Monday, officers urged people who are experiencing stress, depression or anxiety to seek help.
The dead man has been identified as Zachary Harry, a junior clerk. His body was found inside another house in his community.
“Police were alerted to the scene around 2:25 p.m. Upon arrival, the body of the deceased was found lying face down on the floor next to a bed. A firearm was observed near his right hand. The body bore injuries to the head,” police said in the statement.
“At this stage, no foul play is suspected, but the investigation remains ongoing.”
Acting Commissioner of Police Enville Williams said at a press conference in Kingstown earlier on Monday that the firearm involved was a licensed weapon that belonged to someone else.
iWitness News was reliably informed that the owner of the firearm was overseas at the time of the incident.
Williams reminded licensed firearm holders of the protocol to be observed when the weapon is not on their person.
“… I really want to, really, really want to, emphasise that licensed firearm holders must adhere to the rules and regulations as it relates to the safety of the firearm when it is not on your person,” the police chief said.
“The rules are there for a reason, and we must all try to abide by these rules,” Williams said.
Meanwhile, acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey said that Harry died as a result of “a self-act that with a conversation, reaching out to someone, sharing your experience, what you’re going through, another family member, some senior person in the community, may have resulted in a different approach than what took place.”
“So, if you’re experiencing any sort of stress, depression or anxiety. It is my advice that you reach out for help from family member, or from the professionals. If you bring it to your attention of a family member, then they can seek help for you from the professionals.”