Homicide detectives in Trinidad and Tobago are investigating the suspected murder of a U.S. tourist who was found fatally stabbed on Wednesday.
The victim was identified as Christopher Brown, 43, a builder from Silverthorne, Colo., the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service told ABC News.
Police were told that Brown had dinner and drinks with friends on Wednesday night in Castara, a small fishing village on the island of Tobago. He then left his friends, telling them he was going to purchase marijuana, in accordance with the police report, viewed by The Associated Press.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. local time, officers responded to a report that Brown was found unresponsive in the realm. He was later pronounced dead on the scene.
Investigators imagine Brown was stabbed, noting several wounds on his body and a metal object that was found protruding from his back. Investigators are still trying to find out the motive for the killing.
“I can confirm that a suspect is currently in custody,” police commissioner Allister Guevarro told The Associated Press on Thursday, without sharing further information on the person who was arrested.
Authorities didn’t indicate whether Brown was visiting Tobago on the time of his death or when he had arrived on the island.
Tobago’s Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation condemned the killing, saying this was “the primary such act of violence” within the fishing village.
Get every day National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
“The Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation is profoundly saddened and deeply disturbed by the tragic murder of a foreign national within the peaceful community of Castara,” the division said in a media release.
“The Division strongly condemns this horrific act of violence and extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and family members of the deceased during this unimaginably difficult time.”
“We’re devastated by this loss and unequivocally condemn this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and stand firm in our commitment to making sure that Tobago stays a secure, peaceful and welcoming destination for all who visit our shores,” secretary Tashia Burris added.
“The Division is in close communication with the authorities and has already activated its visitor trauma response protocols to supply the essential support to the family on the island,” the discharge added. “Within the face of this deeply troubling incident, the Division stays resolute in its ongoing efforts to strengthen safety measures, support community engagement, and enhance visitor protection across the island.”
Trinidad and Tobago has recorded greater than 330 homicides thus far this 12 months, in accordance with police statistics. A state of emergency is currently in effect for the twin-island nation. Authorities implemented the measure in July, accusing a criminal network in prisons across the country of plotting to kill key government officials and attack public institutions.
The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago cautioned Americans to avoid American government facilities within the twin-island nation in October amid growing tensions between the USA and Venezuela over deadly U.S. strikes in Caribbean waters targeting suspected drug traffickers.
The embassy didn’t specify why it issued the warning, stating only that, “as a result of a heightened state of alert, please avoid and refrain from visiting all U.S. government facilities,” because it urged people to “concentrate on your surroundings.”
Venezuela is situated just miles away from Trinidad, where people in a single coastal community are mourning the disappearance of two local fishermen believed killed in a U.S. strike in October.
— With files from The Associated Press
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.