On August 29, 2026, Brandon Balcombe, 50, was found bleeding on Brown Street near Cipero Street in San Fernando. The 50‑year‑old street dweller had no fixed address and was taken to San Fernando General Hospital, where he died later that night from his injuries.
Inshan Jumrattee, 41, of Cooper Street, was arrested by officers of the Southern Division Criminal Investigations Department on October 4, 2026. The suspect, known locally as “Ponytail,” was charged with murder by PC Gosine of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) Region Three after advice from Assistant Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anju Bhola.
Jumrattee appeared before Master Margaret Sookraj‑Goswami at South Court B on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The case was postponed for a status hearing set for March 4, 2027, allowing the prosecution to prepare further evidence.
Investigations were spearheaded by Superintendent Steve Persad and supervised by Inspector Inshan Teeluck, both of HBI Region Three. Their work has focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding Balcombe’s death and the suspect’s alleged role.
The media release issued on October 9, 2026, confirms the charges and outlines the next steps in the legal process, while authorities urge the public to remain vigilant in the area.
