Woman and husband smoked at a playground

Mother slain while shielding daughter after gunman kills common-law husband in Couva horror

A quiet Friday afternoon in Couva turned into a nightmare on February 13, 2026, when Amelia Hernandez was shot dead while attempting to take her young daughter to safety moments after her common-law husband, DeVaughan Toussaint, was gunned down.

The deadly attack occurred at Jade Court, Couva, sending residents into panic as a lone gunman reportedly opened fire in the residential compound.

Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene in which children screamed and scattered in different directions, scrambling for cover as gunshots rang out.

According to initial reports, Toussaint was the first to be shot. In the chaos that followed, Hernandez desperately tried to shield her daughter and move her away from danger when she too was struck by gunfire. Both adults succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Police officers responded shortly after the incident and cordoned off the area as investigators began processing the scene and interviewing witnesses.

The child was not physically injured but was left traumatised by the ordeal.

The double homicide has left the Couva community in shock, particularly as it unfolded in the presence of children.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to determine the motive and identify the gunman responsible.- Story by I.A.N News