Linden shooting suspect charged with attempted murder

Calwyn Alex Croal, also known as “Brother” of Lot 178 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, was on Tuesday

charged with the attempted murder of his estranged wife Simone Belle-Croal, 41, of 604 Half Mile, Wismar and her cousin, Sherwin Hughes of Blueberry Hill.

Croal, 47, appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court where he was refused bail. It is alleged that on Sunday, April 3, with the intent to commit murder, he discharged a loaded firearm at Belle-Croal and Hughes, at Canvas City, Wismar.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Gordon Gilhuys, who, in his bail application, stated that the father of seven has not returned to the home of his estranged wife since the alleged incident occurred. Gilhuys further argued that his client was not the holder of a firearm licence and a firearm was not discovered in his possession. Bail was nevertheless denied by the presiding Magistrate who remanded the defendant to prison until June 29.

Croal, who eluded Police for almost two months, was arrested at Lethem on Saturday in connection with the incident.

Reports had indicated that the defendant, who allegedly staked out his estranged wife’s home, opened fire on the duo, hitting them multiple times about their bodies as Hughes who was said to be driving at the time approached the home. Hughes was shot in his arm and back and Belle was shot six times to her arm, leg and chest. Both of them were treated at the Linden Hospital Complex and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they underwent successful surgeries to have the bullets removed.

Hughes’s wife, Annie, who was in the vehicle at the time, did not sustain any injuries.