Crime/Police
UPDATED: Former murder accused Yan Edwards killed
By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
A former murder accused has been identified as the victim of Monday’s fatal shooting at a bar in Parham Town, East End on Tortola, according to reliable sources.
Though the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have not officially identified the victim, JTV News have received confirmation from sources, including a relative of the deceased, Yan Edwards, that he was shot dead Monday evening, after 6 p.m.
Edwards and 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.
Edwards is no stranger to the law.
In fact, it was on December 2, 2013 that 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 after trying many times to obtain freedom.
Videos and photos of Edwards’ body, lying in a pool of blood in front the bar, have been circulating on social media.
He was reportedly shot multiple times after a vehicle pulled up at the popular bar.
A shooting incident in close proximity to the Elmore Stoutt High School in the Long Bush area of Road Town has left one man seriously injured and prompted an immediate lockdown at the school.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the injured man was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unknown at this time. Details about the suspected assailant or potential motives are still unclear.
The incident, which took place on Pickering Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today, November 8, led the school administration to enact the lockdown as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. Shortly afterward, parents received official communication from the school, reassuring them that the lockdown had been lifted and that students were safe.
“We understand that such news can be concerning, but please rest assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” the school stated. “The school day is continuing as normal, and students are safe and secure.”
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Parents and guardians with questions are also encouraged to reach out directly to the school for further updates on student safety. Further details will be shared as they become available.
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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.
RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.
“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”
To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.
If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.
The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.
Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF
To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”
Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
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