Mystery of the British pub landlady shot dead in Caribbean hit: The row over her father's fortune after she was cut out of his will...and a falling out with customers in a Kent village left in shock

A British pub landlady was shot dead in Trinidad and Tobago on July 5, sparking a wave of speculation and concern among locals in her Kent-based village. Elaine McGowan, 65, was found lying injured on a street in Trincity, Trinidad and Tobago, after a silver Nissan pulled up and an unknown assailant fired three shots with a 9mm handgun before fleeing the scene. The incident has become the subject of intense discussion in Saltwood, a small village on the south coast of England, where McGowan was the landlady of The Castle Hotel until last summer. The murder has left the community in shock, with whispers of a complex web of personal grievances and financial disputes. According to her sister, Joanne Butcher, McGowan had been in the Caribbean to deal with family matters related to an estate previously expected to be inherited by her and her siblings. However, it appears the late father’s final will, issued just a month before his death, had left the property to his new partner instead. McGowan and her husband, Ian, took over The Castle Hotel in August 2019, marking a dramatic shift from the previous owner, Dave Greenwood, who had run the establishment for two decades. Under their management, the once-bustling pub became nearly deserted, with patrons reporting frequent clashes and a hostile atmosphere. Many villagers claim they were either excluded from the premises or treated poorly by the couple. One regular patron described the experience as unpleasant, noting that the couple often closed the pub early or refused entry to some individuals. Others stated that even those allowed inside found the environment unwelcoming. The pub, once a central gathering spot, reportedly fell into disrepair, becoming more of a shell than a functioning venue. The situation worsened further when McGowan allegedly lost her license to serve alcohol due to hosting unauthorized gatherings during the pandemic. As a result, the pub was reregistered under her husband’s name. Staff members also expressed dissatisfaction with the couple’s management. Most eventually left the establishment, with only one bartender remaining who recalls working alongside Elaine. He described her as “tricky,” while another individual, Kenny, emphasized the impact of their tenure, stating that the pub was driven into decline. The tragedy has prompted a sense of unease within the community, with many reluctant to discuss the incident openly. Locals have been advised to avoid speaking negatively about the deceased, reflecting the deep-seated tensions surrounding the case. While the exact motives behind the killing remain unclear, the circumstances suggest a convergence of personal conflicts and broader social issues. As authorities investigate the incident, the story continues to unfold, revealing layers of complexity that extend beyond the immediate tragedy.