Crime/Police
RVIPF seeking public’s help to solve BVI’s first homicide of 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna.
By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is again calling on members of the public — to assist in solving the BVI’s first homicide of 2023: the gunning down of former murder accused Yan Edwards last Monday at a bar in Parham Town, East End.
“Officers of the Major Investigation Team are appealing to witnesses who could help to identify the assailant or assailants to contact Crime stoppers anonymously at 800-8477 or +1284 800-8477. Alternatively, persons can contact 368-9345,” the RVIPF said in a press release.
No one else was injured in the shooting, the RVIPF said.
Edwards, 42, of Long Look, was shot while reportedly seated at a popular Parham Town bar.
The incident occurred after 6 p.m. when a car pulled up at the business establishment and shots were fired.
Edwards is no stranger to the law.
He along with Allen Baptiste were both sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2013 for the death of Keri Harrigan, who was shot to death in Long Look on March 16, 2011.
However, in 2018, Court of Appeal judges threw out the convictions of both men and ordered a retrial.
On December 2, 2013 Edwards along with Rodney Simmonds Jr. were sentenced to seven years and five years, respectively, after they had been found guilty of conspiring to murder Cornel Melbourne Francis.
At the time, Edwards was serving the life sentence for Harrigan’s murder – a conviction which was eventually squashed.
Edwards reportedly was released on bail last year — awaiting a retrial in the Harrigan case — after trying many times to obtain freedom.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Crime/Police
Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.
According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.
De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.
“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.
The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.
Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Crime/Police6 days agoTwo Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
-
Crime/Police14 hours agoTarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
-
Elections 202315 hours agoHon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMystiq Flax Charles Wins Best Look of the Night at Style Week Event
-
Elections 20235 days agoWalters Elected NDP Vice President as Party Finalizes Leadership Team
-
Local News15 hours agoCivil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
-
Crime/Police1 week agoSix New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThree Contestants Confirmed for Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant in Tortola