By AFP
November 27, 2025 / 3:24 PM EST / CBS/AFP
Homicide detectives in Trinidad and Tobago are investigating the suspected murder of an American man who, police say, left friends to try to buy marijuana.
The victim was identified as Christopher Brown, 43, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado, according to a local police report. Brown had dinner and drinks with friends Wednesday night in Castara, a small fishing village on Tobago, then left saying he was going to buy marijuana.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. local time, officers responded to a report that Brown was found unresponsive in the area; he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe he was stabbed, noting several wounds and a metal object protruding from his back. They are still determining a motive.
“I can confirm that a suspect is currently in custody,” Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro told The Associated Press.
Authorities did not immediately say whether Brown was visiting Tobago or when he had arrived on the island. Tobago’s Division of Tourism condemned the killing, saying it was “the first such act of violence” in the village, which is known for being safe and welcoming.
Trinidad and Tobago has recorded more than 330 homicides so far this year, police statistics show. A state of emergency has been in effect since July after authorities accused a criminal network in prisons of plotting to kill officials and attack public institutions.
The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago recently issued a warning for Americans in the country, advising them to avoid U.S. government facilities amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. Venezuela lies just miles from Trinidad.
