NESHWIN ALMEIDA

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CHINCHINIM: Goan lad Conbino Crasto hailing from Chinchinim, just besides the St Anne’s Church, and working in Texas, Cleveland was shot and killed by three masked gunmen in a petrol pump robbery. Conbino was the clerk-cum-cashier at the gas station. 

Police are on the lookout for the three gunmen identified on CCTV camera. 40-year-old Conbino who moved to the US a few years ago from his shipping line leaves behind by his wife Jessica and two boys. In the wee hours today, his wife in Chinchinim received a message that around 9:30 pm on Wednesday, three armed, masked men entered Exxon, the gas station, argued with Conbino, then one of them shot him in the chest. 

The other two thieves took money from the register before all three ran from the convenience store. Conbino was not alone and also had another clerk with him, who escaped unharmed. Cleveland media reports suggest that Conbino was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he later died.

Goans on Facebook remembered how Combino would lend money to fellow Goans in Texas and help a lot of people and was a joyful lad. He’s wife Jessica recollects that Conbino was very active amongst the Goan diaspora and was excited about FC Goa’s performance in the ISL. He has two sons – Cain and Cosum.

Conbino, an admin member of Ami Niz Goenkar Facebook page kept Goans on Facebook aware of daily events in Goa and feasts. 

Conbino’s family is coordinating investigations in the US and looking at possibilities of bringing his body to Goa for the last rites. They hope the three masked men will be arrested soon.

Neighbours in Chinchinim remember Conbino as a big football fan, always keeping in touch with the diaspora and very friendly. His home saw many visitors inquiring about the shooting, including the local politicians and few others. The NRI Affairs Commission is believed to be closely monitoring Conbino’s case.