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 (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
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.
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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