Armed robbery convict shot in face, shoulder during suspected execution attempt

Jason Gonsalves who has been on the police radar for several years, narrowly survived an attempt on his life at around 18.30 hrs last Thursday, after unidentified gunmen shot him in the face, neck and shoulder.

He was reportedly attacked while driving along Mandela Avenue, West Ruimveldt. His mother, who was also in the car, escaped unhurt.

Sources described Gonsalves, 29, as a gold miner who resides at Lot 59 D’urban Street, Lodge.

The attack reportedly occurred shortly after Gonsalves, also known as Jason Burnette and Troy Burnette, had uplifted some gold jewellery from a West Ruimveldt jewellery shop.

Gonsalves and his mother, who is a nurse, were heading home in his car when they heard ‘four explosions.’

Gonsalves then cried out that he had been shot. He managed to drive to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was admitted.

One of the bullets struck him in the right side on his face and exited the left side of his neck. He was also shot in the right shoulder.

No spent shells were recovered and police are checking CCTV cameras in the area.

Neither victim nor his mother reportedly saw the shooters.

Gonsalves has told police that he has no problems with anyone.

But Big Smith News Watch has confirmed that he has a lengthy rap sheet.

Court records show that in January 2010, Burnette was remanded on two counts of robbery under arms and possession of firearm and ammunition charges.

It was alleged that on January 18, 2010, Burnette, who had a firearm, robbed Tonnette Henry of a gold chain, five gold rings, a pair of gold jingles, valued at a total of $440,000 and a laptop, property of Carib Diamond Drilling Company, valued at $180,000.

It is also alleged that on December 30, 2010, Burnette robbed Andrew Davis at knifepoint of one cell phone, one silver ring and $860 in cash.

He was given a nine-year-sentence, which was reduced to six years’ imprisonment.

In May 2017, he was hospitalised, after he was stabbed by murder accused, Akeem Edwards.

He was scheduled to be released on February 11, 2019, but due to misbehaviour, his prison term was extended to August 7, 2019.

A prison official had described the inmate as “an extremely troublesome prisoner.”