A British woman visiting Trinidad and Tobago was shot and killed in a targeted attack that unfolded in broad daylight, with investigators examining video footage that appears to capture the moments leading up to the fatal shooting.
Elaine McGowan, 65, a former pub landlady from Hythe, Kent, was standing outside a property in the Trincity area with her husband, Ian McGowan, on July 5 when a gunman approached and opened fire before fleeing in a waiting vehicle.
CCTV Footage Shows Suspect Fleeing the Scene
Video circulating locally shows a silver Nissan Tiida pulling up near the property before an individual exits the vehicle and walks toward the residence.
Seconds later, three rapid gunshots are heard.
The suspect is then seen running back to the car, which immediately drives away from the scene.
Trinidad and Tobago Police confirmed they have obtained the footage and are using it as part of their ongoing investigation into the killing.
Victim Was Visiting Family Business
According to Elaine McGowan’s sister, Joanne Butcher, the shooting occurred outside the home of the victim’s godfather.
McGowan had travelled to Trinidad to attend to business matters connected to her late father’s farm, Cocal Retreat, located in Manzanilla.
Emergency responders transported her to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre in Champs Fleurs, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Husband Witnessed the Deadly Attack
Ian McGowan was beside his wife when the shooting took place and survived the incident.
Elaine McGowan was the daughter of Trinidad and Tobago immigrants who settled in South London during the 1960s, maintaining close ties with her family’s Caribbean roots throughout her life.
Investigators have not announced any arrests, and authorities have yet to determine a motive for the attack.
Police continue to appeal for information that could help identify those responsible.
Family Appeals for Information
Joanne Butcher has urged anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward and assist detectives in Trinidad and Tobago.
She described her sister as someone deeply connected to her family and community, recalling how they were raised together in South London by parents who valued unity, mutual support, and strong family relationships.
McGowan is survived by her husband as well as a large extended family and many close friends.
Tributes Honor Well-Known Former Kent Publican
News of McGowan’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her during her years running The Castle Hotel in Hythe, a pub she managed from 2019 until the summer of last year.
Former colleague Hemang Patel described the news as devastating, saying McGowan was widely respected and admired by many people in the local community.
He said her death came as a profound shock to those who had worked alongside her and knew her personally.
UK Government Providing Consular Support
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is assisting the family following the death of the British national.
A spokesperson said the department is supporting McGowan’s relatives while remaining in contact with authorities in Trinidad and Tobago as the homicide investigation continues.
Investigation Continues
Police have not disclosed whether they believe the shooting was targeted or random, and no suspects have been taken into custody.
Detectives are continuing to review evidence, including the video footage, while appealing to witnesses and members of the public for information that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
