Convicted killer in 2009 Carnival Murder Gunned Down in Lavantille

A man previously convicted for a high-profile Carnival Sunday killing was shot dead on Tuesday night while driving to a nearby grocery in Laventille, police confirmed.

The deceased has been identified as Shawn McLean, 47, of #12B Wharton Street, Laventille, and Parris Boulevard, Morvant. The shooting occurred around 7.45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, along Wharton Street, Laventille.

According to police, McLean left his home, which he shared with his girlfriend, to visit a nearby grocery when gunshots were heard minutes later. Shortly after, residents discovered McLean slumped inside his black Kia Rio, registration PDM 8004, which had crashed into a wall a short distance away.

McLean was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crime Scene Investigators recovered 18 spent 9mm shell casings and 12 spent 5.56 shell casings, indicating that multiple firearms may have been used in the attack. The shooting appears to have been targeted.

Among the senior officers responding to the scene were Assistant Superintendent Mongroo, Inspector Durga, and Inspector Toorie. Investigations are being led by officers attached to the Region I Homicide Bureau of Investigations. Police have not yet indicated a motive or reported any arrests.

Past conviction

McLean was previously convicted in connection with the 2009 Carnival Sunday shooting death of American citizen Leverne Lyons, a case that drew widespread public attention.

Lyons, 30, of Oakland, California, was shot and killed outside a fete along Cipriani Boulevard, Port-of-Spain, after an argument reportedly erupted involving McLean and his sister. Investigators said McLean later returned to the area armed with a firearm and shot Lyons multiple times before fleeing.

The incident was witnessed by an off-duty police officer, PC Sirjoo, who followed McLean and his sister as they escaped. Both were arrested shortly afterward along Richmond Street, and the firearm used in the killing was recovered. McLean was identified by several eyewitnesses and was found to have gunshot residue on his hands.

Although initially charged with murder, McLean later pleaded guilty to manslaughter under a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In October 2023, High Court Judge Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds sentenced McLean after starting with a 24-year prison term, which was reduced based on mitigating factors, including his previously clean criminal record, participation in rehabilitation programmes while on remand, and expressions of remorse.

After discounts for his guilty plea and credit for the 14 years and eight months he spent on remand, McLean had approximately eight months remaining on his sentence and was released from prison early last year.

Investigation ongoing

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding McLean’s killing. As of Wednesday, no motive has been established, and investigators have not ruled out retaliation or gang-related violence.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Homicide Bureau or Crime Stoppers.

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