Crime/Police
“Put down your guns!” — Premier Wheatley after Yan Edwards murder
By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
Premier and Seventh District Representative, Natalio Wheatley, has urged persons to resolve conflicts without using guns and violence in light of Monday’s murder of a resident of his constituency, Yan Edwards.
Wheatley, in a post on his official Facebook page, said he was “saddened to learn of yet another murder in our community”.
He expressed “sincere condolences” to the family and friends of the deceased.
“We must end this cycle of violence! I am appealing to those who resolve conflict through violence to put down your guns. Violence only breeds more violence and more crying mothers and mourning families.
“Let’s do all we can to end this cycle of violence in our communities and let’s pray for the healing of our lands,” the premier concluded.
According to reports, Edwards (in photo below), 42, of Long Look, was seated at a popular bar in the eastern community when an assailant or assailants fired shots in his direction. 
The incident occurred after 6 p.m.
No one else was injured, police said.
Edwards, a former BVI fire officer, 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.
His killing is the first homicide in the territory for 2023.
Crime/Police
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a series of arrests across the territory, highlighting a diverse range of criminal charges as law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities.
Tyler Harrigan, 26, of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with criminal damage, armed with an offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the incident leading to the charges.
In a separate case, Kelvin Eleuthere, 27, of Soper’s Hole, West End, was arrested on November 15 and charged with harboring a person, a serious offense under local law.
Also on November 15, Shamar John, 47, was charged for overstaying his landing permit, a violation of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, on November 11, Kelliel Mala, 26, of the US Virgin Islands, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation.
Additionally, a 12-year-old minor was charged with indecent language on November 22.
Each of the accused individuals is scheduled to face court proceedings in the coming months.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with various assault incidents, including attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
On November 1, Julian Peters of Free Bottom was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17. Later in the month, on November 29, police arrested Tresley Chewitt, 41, of Windy Hill, Virgin Gorda, for a separate assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Chewitt was granted bail of $10,000 and will appear in court on January 20, 2025.
In incidents involving law enforcement, Ernest Williams, 31, of Virgin Gorda, and Shem Letteen, 53, of East End, were both arrested on November 23 for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Both men were granted bail of $3,000 and are expected to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to cooperate with investigations and report any incidents of violence or threats to public safety.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with firearm and explosives offenses in a series of incidents spanning November.
On November 29, officers arrested Luiz Guerra Bethelmy, 45, of Great Mountain, and Dania Livari Castello. Both face charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
Earlier in the month, on November 17, police apprehended 20-year-old Daniel Maduro of Long Bush. Maduro was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
In a separate incident on November 15, authorities arrested Richard Baronville, 32, of Long Bush, and Kahlim Smith, 24, of Nottingham Estate. Both men face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.
Most recently, on November 30, police charged Keanus Smart, 18, of Free Bottom, with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense and unlawful possession of explosives.
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
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