Diandra Grandison, Star Writer

The family of 22-year-old Barrington McCanuff is fuming over what they call the 'cold blooded murder' of their loved one by the police on the weekend.

McCanuff, who is the cousin of dancehall artiste Franchino, according to police report, was 'fatally shot during a confrontation about 12:24 p.m. on the Lilliput main road in Freeport, St James.

The police said a chrome .38 revolver with the serial number erased was seized during the incident.

refuting claims

But the family is refuting these claims, stating that McCanuff was neither a criminal nor engaged in any form of confrontation with the police.

Franchino, who spoke on behalf of the family, told THE STAR that McCanuff was gunned down at his family's bar and restaurant.

"My mother told me that Barrington was outside wiping the window when she heard gunshots. She ran outside and said "Wah mek unuh shoot up Barrington" to which she said "the police eyes open wide and they had a surprised look on their face."

According to Franchino, it was later revealed by the police that it was a case of mistaken identity.

"My father told me that the same policemen who shot him drove past him on his bike in front my father's house which is where he was living and didn't stop him, but when he was outside the restaurant he didn't have on a shirt."

He continued, "When INDECOM came on the scene, we heard that the police who were in plain clothes came in the area looking for someone and shot him by mistake."

Franchino categorically denied the gun possession. "They say he had a Smith and Wesson gun on him, but I can put my life on it, it's not true."

He said he and his family are convinced that it is murder because "He received shots in the back of his head and all over his body."

A sombre sounding Franchino added that Barrington's last words were "Help me aunty! A weh mi do?! A weh mi do?!"

The investigating officer from INDECOM said, "Investigations have just begun, contact CCN".

Franchino said the family intends to take legal action.