Businessman Killed Three Years After Surviving Shooting, Father Wounded in Latest Attack
A 23-year-old businessman who survived a shooting three years ago has been gunned down in another violent attack, this time leaving his father injured at their business premises in Princes Town.
Shyam Balla, of Sixth Company, Indian Walk, was shot dead on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after two masked gunmen reportedly entered the family's business compound and opened fire.
According to police reports published by the Trinidad Guardian, the attack occurred at approximately 1.30 p.m.
The gunmen reportedly jumped over a fence before confronting Balla and his father. They then opened fire, striking the young businessman several times, including in the chest.
His father was shot in the arm.
A passing motorist assisted the injured men and transported them to a health facility, where Balla was pronounced dead.
Survived an Earlier Shooting in 2023
The killing comes just over three years after Balla survived a separate attempt on his life.
On September 3, 2023, Balla was shot and wounded outside S&R Tyre Shop on Bridal Road, Cunupia.
That incident attracted attention after surveillance footage circulated showing a gunman approaching the young businessman and firing several shots.
Balla survived the attack and subsequently relocated his business operations from Cunupia to Princes Town.
However, three years later, the businessman has lost his life in another shooting.
The circumstances have raised questions about whether the two attacks were connected, although investigators have not publicly established such a link.
Police are continuing investigations into Sunday's killing and are working to determine a motive.
The latest attack has left a young businessman dead and his father recovering from a gunshot injury, bringing a tragic end to Balla's efforts to rebuild his life and business after surviving the earlier violence.