Police are suspecting that the two teen boys who were gunned down in Laventille on Sunday may have been caught in the middle of a turf war.

Sixteen year old Antoine Francois and 15 year old Semion Daniel were killed days after they absconded from a Child Support Centre managed by the Children’s Authority.

A statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service on Monday said investigations were at a “sensitive stage” following the tragedy.

“Gang warfare among rival groups in the Laventille area is suspected to be the motive behind last night’s murder…This was confirmed today by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ag), Investigations and Intelligence, Mc Donald Jacob, as Homicide Bureau officers intensify their investigations into the killings. Mr Jacob said investigators have received vital information and that the probe is now at a sensitive stage,’ the statement read. 

Polie said Crime Scene Personnel processed the scene and recovered items of “evidential value.”

The boys were liming with other teenagers at an abandoned house in Desperlie Crescent at around 7:30pm on Sunday, when, according to reports, two men dressed in police uniforms walked up to them and shot at the group.

Two other victims, 13 and 15, were also grazed by bullets and have been taken for emergency treatment. 

Police also detained another of the five missing boys who was liming with the group at the time the shooting took place. 

The boys absconded from the home on March 19th by squeezing through the burglar proofing. 

Since their escape, the Children’s Authority has said measures were taken to intensify security on the compound.