British landlady shot dead in broad daylight on Trinidad with gunman on loose
Context:
A British former landlady, Elaine McGowan, was shot dead in broad daylight in Trinidad while with her husband, marking a violent incident that shocked locals and prompted a police search for the gunman. The attack occurred around 11am on De La Mare Avenue in Trincity, with a silver Nissan Tiida fleeing the scene after the shooting outside her godfather’s home opposite Trincity Mall. McGowan, 65, had previously run the Castle Hotel in Saltwood, Kent, and was in Trinidad reportedly conducting business as a director of a farming venture. The case has drawn expressions of grief from the local community and family, with authorities continuing investigations and the UK’s Foreign Office offering support. The situation underlines ongoing security concerns and the need for information to advance the inquiry.
Dive Deeper:
Elaine McGowan, 65, formerly ran The Castle Hotel in Saltwood, Kent, and was killed outside her godfather's home opposite Trincity Mall in northern Trinidad.
The incident happened around 11am on De La Mare Avenue when a silver Nissan Tiida pulled up, a gunman exited, fired, and then fled; McGowan and her husband Ian were present at the time.
She was transported to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre, where she was pronounced dead; police are actively searching for the shooter.
Hemang Patel, a Saltwood resident and former Castle Hotel employee, described McGowan as a lovely and supportive figure who was well known in the community and shop; he expressed shock at the violence.
Jakki Monroe, the current Castle Hotel owner, said the village is in shock and extended condolences to McGowan's family.
McGowan’s sister Joanne Butcher posted on Facebook detailing her sister’s life, family ties, and business involvement in Trinidad, urging anyone with information to contact Trinidadian police.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated it is supporting the family and liaising with local authorities as the investigation continues.