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Crime/Police

“Put down your guns!” — Premier Wheatley after Yan Edwards murder

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British Virgin Islands (BVI) Premier Natalio Wheatley

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.

Deceased: Yan Edwards

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

Two Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay 

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Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.

A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.

They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.

A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.

The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

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Crime/Police

K’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in  Shooting on Sandbox Road

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.

Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.

In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

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Crime/Police

Shots Fired Near ESHS: Man Injured, High School Goes Into Lockdown

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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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