A 34-year-old businessman was shot and killed early Monday morning at the public pool resort he operated in Cunupia, sending shockwaves through the local business community.

The victim, Haqqani Ali of St. James, was the proprietor of the El Grande Piscine Pool located on Solomon Drive, Chin Chin Road. According to police reports, the fatal shooting occurred around 1:10 a.m. as Ali was securing the premises after a night of business. An employee reported hearing two loud explosions and, upon investigation, found Ali lying motionless near the pool area.

Eyewitnesses described seeing a man of slim build, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, dressed in a white vest, black pants, and a white surgical mask fleeing the scene. The suspect reportedly escaped on foot, heading south onto Chin Chin Road before turning east.

Police responding to the scene recovered two spent 9mm shell casings. Ali was pronounced dead by the district medical officer, who ordered a post-mortem examination. The motive for the killing remains unclear as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Ali had been renting and operating the El Grande Piscine Pool for the past two years, offering the facility for public rentals and events. He employed two workers to assist with the upkeep and management of the property.

Notably, Ali had previously faced criminal charges in 2022 under the Trafficking in Persons Act and the Children’s Act, including allegations of trafficking children and related offenses. He had been out on bail at the time of his death.

The murder has heightened concerns about safety among business owners in the area, with many calling for increased security measures and a swift resolution to the case. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.