The murder figure jumped another notch yesterday with the beating death of a Laventille man.

Police say the murder of Allan John occurred around 5.30 a.m., when residents of Green Acres, Laventille heard loud cries in their community. An eyewitness told investigators he saw three men running away when he looked outside.

The police were called and they found the bleeding body of John and a piece of iron a few feet from his body. He was already dead.

Police say they suspect robbery to be the motive, since several personal items were missing from John. Homicide detectives are continuing investigations.

In an unrelated matter, the body of a man who was shot in the head was discovered roadside at Penn Trace, Enterprise, Chaguanas, yesterday.

Police said they received an anonymous tip and went to the area around 9 a.m.

Police estimate the body to be that of a man between 18 and 20 years of age. The body was clad in a multi-coloured tee shirt and black three quarter jeans.

There were multiple gunshot wounds to the head and police believe the man was shot elsewhere and dumped at Penn Trace. No one in the village knew the man’s identity.

Anyone with information on the identity of the man can call the Chaguanas CID at 665-9978.

The murder toll stood at 354 up to yesterday evening.