Teen killed by stray bullet: “He shot her through her hands” – grieving grandmother

Sixteen-year-old Reyna Depeazer, who had just completed her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and was anxiously awaiting her results, died Wednesday after being tragically struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a well-known character who is now in police custody.
The aspiring student from East La Penitence, Georgetown, was reportedly shot after attending a party on the night of July 21 at Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt.
One day after her passing, this publication visited the teen’s home and spoke with her grieving grandmother, Simone Gonzales, who recalled the events leading up to the tragic incident.
She stated that on the night of the shooting, Depeazer left to attend the party with her friends around 19:30h.

“She left around 7:30 pm to go to the party. Her friend picked her up. When she left, my grandson – who is 15 years old – said he was going over there with her. After that, I saw him running outside along with all the people who were at the party,” she recounted.
“I found out that a guy was in a car. He came out and took out a gun to shoot someone he had a problem with… My granddaughter was coming home. Her friend dropped her. When she stopped, the guy fired the shot. She put her arm up…he shot her through her hands when she raised them to block the bullets. The bullet flew through her hand and hit her in the neck, striking her spine,” she alleged.
Police investigations have so far revealed that the teenager and a friend were sitting on a motorcycle, socialising along Mango Lane, while another motorcycle was parked nearby.
It is alleged that the suspect arrived in a white Fielder Waggon bearing registration number PYY 2896. He exited the vehicle carrying a handgun and walked towards the other motorcyclist.
A confrontation reportedly ensued between them, during which the suspect discharged a round that accidentally struck Reyna in the neck. She reportedly collapsed to the ground, after which the suspect re-entered his vehicle and sped off.
On July 22, at about 01:00 hrs, the suspect was arrested on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, while driving the same vehicle. He was informed of the allegation made against him, arrested, and cautioned. A search was conducted on his person, the motorcar, and his home, but no firearm was found.
He was escorted to CID Headquarters, where he was swabbed for gunpowder residue, and the motorcar was lodged. He is expected to be charged with murder.