Leonese Lewis, sister-in-law of slain national athlete Michael Billy-Montague, holds a picture of him at the family home at Santa Flora on Tuesday. Billy-Montague, who participated in Track and Field events including the 400-metre hurdles and discus, was beaten to death at his home and his pension money stolen. PHOTO by DAVE PERSAD

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Former athlete beaten to death 'for pension'

By Susan Mohammed
By susan.mohammed@trinidadexpress.com

Story Created: Feb 5, 2013 at 9:58 PM ECT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2013 at 10:57 AM ECT

RETIRED national athlete Michael Billy-Montague was beaten to death at his home in Santa Flora last weekend and police believe his pension money was the motive.

Billy-Montague, 76, was found dead, bleeding from three wounds to his head, in the garage of his home on Saturday morning.

An autopsy performed by Dr Hughvon Des Vignes on Monday found that he died of blunt force trauma.

Billy-Montague lived at SS Erin Road with his wife, Cynthia.

The couple did not have children, but their house was frequented by villagers and relatives.

He competed in the 400 metres hurdles in the 1960s and also participated in discuss events and hockey. He was a member of the Angles Sports Club at Santa Flora and also formed a contract company called "Angles".

In the 1970s, he was a member of the Tapia House movement.

His sister-in-law, Leonese Lewis, 74, said every month, since September, his $6,000 pension had been stolen from him.

Lewis said last week not only the pension went missing, but also his driver's permit and identification card.

She said Billy-Montague's body was discovered by his nephew, Bernard, who lived nearby.

"He was calling at the gate, but did not get an answer. The gate was ajar and he came in.

Next to the car was his body, covered in blood," said Lewis.

The wife of the deceased said: "We are living in a place that is not safe."

There are no suspects in the case.

Homicide officers are investigating.
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