Rousillac Woman Fatally Shot in Shocking Debe Roundabout Ambush; Husband Hospitalized with Multiple Gunshot Wounds
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO — A serene Sunday evening in South Trinidad was violently shattered when a brutal shooting unfolded at the Debe roundabout, leaving 59-year-old Elizabeth “Mary” Lennard of Rousillac dead and her husband, 63-year-old Premnath Enal, clinging to life in a hospital.
The tragic incident occurred late on Sunday night, June 15, as the couple was reportedly traveling in their vehicle. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the vehicle was ambushed in what authorities are describing as a “targeted and brazen attack.” The gunmen are believed to have opened fire at close range, pumping several bullets into the vehicle as it passed through the roundabout — a usually busy but quiet intersection that connects several major routes in the south of the island.
Elizabeth Lennard was pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with vehicles swerving and bystanders screaming as shots rang out. Her husband, Premnath Enal, also sustained several gunshot wounds and was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition under police guard.
Community in Shock
News of the tragedy spread rapidly across Rousillac and neighboring communities, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit region. Elizabeth Lennard, affectionately known as “Mary,” was well-regarded by her neighbors and friends. Described as warm, humble, and family-oriented, she had reportedly just returned from visiting relatives over the weekend and was on her way home when the ambush occurred.
Locals are struggling to come to terms with the violence, with many expressing concern over the increasing frequency of gun-related incidents across the region. One resident who knew the couple remarked, “They were quiet people, always kept to themselves. This is truly heartbreaking — we’re all stunned.”
Investigators Pursue Leads
Homicide detectives attached to Region III, alongside members of the Southern Division Task Force, have since launched an intensive investigation into the shooting. While no arrests have been made as of Monday morning, investigators believe the attack may have been premeditated.
CCTV footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras is currently being reviewed, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. A senior officer stated that the “cold and calculated” nature of the ambush suggests the perpetrators were either familiar with the couple’s movements or had been tracking them in the days leading up to the shooting.
Authorities are also examining possible motives, including personal grievances, business-related disputes, or connections to ongoing criminal activity in the region. However, police have not released any information confirming whether either victim had previously received threats or had been involved in any matters that would have warranted concern.
A Nation Grieves, Calls for Justice
The tragic loss of Elizabeth Lennard has not only devastated her family but also reignited public frustration over rising violence in Trinidad and Tobago. Social media has been flooded with tributes and calls for justice under hashtags such as #JusticeForMary and #StopTheViolence. Activists and community leaders are once again calling on law enforcement and government officials to strengthen public safety measures and crack down on illegal firearms and organized crime.
Meanwhile, loved ones of the victims are preparing to bury a wife, mother, and friend taken too soon by senseless violence. As Premnath Enal fights for his life, the Lennard and Enal families are grappling with grief and shock, while also hoping that justice will be served.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS or their nearest police station. Anonymous tips are welcome.
If you or someone you know is affected by violent crime or in need of support, please reach out to the Victim and Witness Support Unit through the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.