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American Tourist Killed in Village's First Homicide

Police in Tobago say Colorado man told friends he was going out to buy marijuana
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 27, 2025 4:30 PM CST
American Tourist Killed in Tobago
Soldiers with Trinidad and Tobago's Defense Forces and a police vehicle are seen in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Homicide detectives in Trinidad and Tobago are investigating the suspected murder of an American man after reportedly going out to try to purchase marijuana. The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Christopher Brown, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado, according to a local police report. 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 buy marijuana, the police report said.

Shortly after 10:30pm local time, officers from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service responded to a report that Brown was found unresponsive in the area, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe he was stabbed, as they said there were several wounds about his body, and a metal object was found protruding from his back. Investigators are still trying to determine the motive for the killing. "I can confirm that a suspect is currently in custody," Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro told the AP on Thursday afternoon.

Tobago's Division of Tourism condemned the killing, saying this was "the first such act of violence" in the fishing village, which the officials said is known for being safe and welcoming. Trinidad and Tobago has recorded over 330 homicides so far this year, according to police statistics. Brown's murder was the ninth homicide of the year in Tobago, by far the smaller of the two island in both size and population. 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.

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