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Courtney Menzies went south today to speak with Coote's family - and found that they had killed one of the town's up and coming Punta rock stars - who was riding the popularity of a hit song:

A peacemaker - that's what the family of 31 year old Michael "Culu" Coote called him. And by all accounts, he wasn't a troublemaker - just a simple fisherman with a love of music and a duty to his son.

And that's why Coote's family was crushed and confused when they found out that he had been gunned down on St Vincent Street in Dangriga Town. They were gathered at the family home today, trying to console each other, while listening to some of Coote's music, which always put a smile on their faces.

And in between the music, his brother told us that this murder was the last thing he expected to hear.

Fredrick Coote, Brother of Deceased
"He was right at the game shop, that was like his second house. He is always there, if he's not at home, or on the riverside doing something, he's right there at game shop."

"I hear the news, I didn't expect it, because that man doesn't trouble anybody. I reach on the scene, they said he already went to the hospital, police bad me up, I just stay with that. I just stay at the hospital, when I reach, I want to go in to see the man, they didn't want me in there either, the CIB."

And while police have one suspect - a young man that the family didn't recognize - they're still confused about why Coote was so callously killed, seeing as though he wanted nothing but to make his music.

Fredrick Coote, Brother of Deceased
"He was a fisherman but he was an artist too. He sings songs for people to enjoy themselves. Like what he said, he can't dance, but he can make people dance too. He was a friendly man, if you got to know him. He's friendly."

"That man loved his son bad, he would do anything for his son, I know he wishes he could be right here for his son. This is in the police's hands, we will leave them to do their job. Only that I have to say."

And now, while they continue to grieve, they must learn to live without the person they considered the family mediator - and Coote's 3-year-old son will have to grow up without knowing his father - only the man who made this infectious hit song.

But the commissioner of police is confident that they'll be able to put someone behind bars for this murder soon.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Police responded to information of shots fired in the front of a gaming shop. Upon arrival they met, I think it was one, Coote, suffering from multiple gunshot injuries to the body. He was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment. Police quick response led to the detention of an individual who we believe is the suspect. He was also found to be in possession of a pistol, 9mm, which we believe is the murder weapon and so officers are now working to put the pieces together where that murder is concerned and hopefully by this evening we should be able to charge this individual."

ComPol Williams also mentioned that officers are preparing for expected retaliation.