Crime/Police
BVI homicide victim identified as St. Vincent national — reportedly had loaded guns in his possession
Jahkeem Christopher
By CATHY RICHARDS, JTV News Editor
(JTV News) — The man who was shot and left for dead in the parking lot across from UP’s Cineplex on Sunday, February 12, 2023 has been identified as Jahkeem Christopher, a 23-year-old native of St. Vincent and the Grenadians who was visiting the British Virgin Islands.
On Friday, February 24, JTV News got word of Christopher’s identity and the circumstances that led to his family identifying his body.
Hasani Frett of Greenland, Tortola is currently on remand, charged with Christopher’s murder, wounding a female during the shooting incident, and being in possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
However, during his first court appearance on February 15, it was revealed that Frett was not the shooter. The shooter fled.
When police arrived on the scene that ill-fated morning, Christopher was found dead. At the time, he was reportedly wearing a mask and had two loaded guns in his possession.
The court had heard that Frett and the mystery shooter were in a car when they came under attack by three men on scooters.
The individual who was in the passenger seat of the car with Frett opened fire at their attackers – two escaped and the third person, Christopher, was killed.
The shooter remains at large.
BELOW IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ROYAL VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE FORCE
The RVIPF Major Incident Team has established the identity of the male murdered in the parking lot across of U.P. Cineplex on Sunday, 12 February.
The body of Jahkeem Christopher, 23, a native of St. Vincent and the Grenadians who was visiting the BVI, was positively identified by family members residing on Tortola.
Detectives have so far charged one man, Hasani Frett, 37, of Greenland in his death. Frett faces the charges of murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He appeared before the Magistrate’s Court and was remanded to HMP for his later appearance.
Detectives are aware that other persons were involved in the murder and are therefore seeking any information that could help with identifying the other assailants.
Persons can contact Crimestoppers tipline number anonymously at 800-8477 or 1-284 800-8477. Alternatively, persons can call 368-9345.
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.
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