American tourist found dead in Tobago

Police in Trinidad and Tobago are investigating the suspected murder of a U.S. tourist who was found fatally stabbed  on Wednesday last week.

The victim was identified as Christopher Brown, 43, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado.

Police were told that Brown had dinner and drinks with friends on Wednesday night in Castara, a small fishing village in Tobago.. He then left his friends, telling them he was going to buy marijuana, according to the police.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. local time, police responded to a report that Brown was found unresponsive in the area. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe Brown was stabbed, noting several wounds on his body and a metal object that was found protruding from his back. Investigators are still trying to determine the motive for the killing.

Police said a suspect is currently in custody.

Trinidad and Tobago has recorded more than 330  murders so far this year.

A state of emergency is currently in effect on the twin-island nation. Authorities implemented the measure last July, accusing a criminal network in prisons across the country of plotting to kill key government officials and attack public institutions.

The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago cautioned Americans to stay away from American government facilities in the twin-island nation in October amid growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela over deadly U.S. strikes in Caribbean waters targeting suspected drug traffickers.

People in one coastal community in Trinidad are mourning the disappearance of two local fishermen believed killed in a U.S. strike in October.