PORT-OF-SPAIN – CEDRIC “Burkie” Burke has been released by police after he was taken in for questioning on Monday.
The well-known businessman and community leader of Sea Lots was held and interrogated about the pirate attack on the waters near Carli Bay on July 22 which led to the deaths of five men while another two remain missing.
He was arrested by members of the Homicide Bureau and they also seized electronic devices belonging to him and his children.
Last week, 27-year-old Kareem Stanisclaus, of Sealots, appeared in court charged with murdering fishermen Hemraj Sooknanan,18, Brandon Kissoon, 21, Shiva Ramdeo, 27, Anand Rampersad,39, and Leslie De Boulet.
He is also facing a charge of attempted murder of Brian Seemungal and Robbie Jaggernauth.
Stanisclaus was also jointly charged with Shaquille Roberts, Mya Bowrin and Iyola John for robbery with violence. Bowrin and John were granted $100,000 bail when they appeared in court last week, while Roberts was remanded in custody pending tracing of his criminal records.
Police said Burke was released after being interviewed on Tuesday.
Burke’s close associate Akani “Dole” Adams was shot by police at Sea Lots on July 25. A few days before he and Burke had been detained for questioning by police.
Investigators said Adams was a person of interest for the pirate attack on July 22 and in the murder of WPC Nyasha Joseph. He made headlines last year when he purchased a $700,000 Range Rover.
