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High School Student Robbed at Gunpoint in Virgin Gorda – Investigation Uncovers firearms, marijuana
A high school student allegedly fell victim to an armed robbery on Virgin Gorda yesterday, January 18.
The assailants was said to have targeted the student as he was returning from a lunchtime visit to the football field, making off with his iPad, phone, AirPods, and a distinctive brand name Spray Gun bag.
The student’s interest in football led him to explore the field during his lunch break, but on his way back to school, it is alleged that he was confronted by three men. One of them wielded a gun and demanded, “Where the Gucci Chain Deh?” The student clarified that he did not own a Gucci Chain.
It is our information, that the victim reportedly borrowed a chain from a friend earlier in the day for the school’s dress-up day. However, before heading to the field, he passed the chain to another student to hold.
Despite his explanation, the assailants proceeded to rob him of his Earpods, iPad, and phone. However, when they attempted to take his Spray Gun bag, the student resisted.
One of the assailants ordered the armed individual whom he called by a nickname to “Shoot this man.” Fearing for his life, the student released the bag, and the robbers fled the scene.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) was promptly informed of the incident, and an investigation was launched.
Tracking the stolen phone, the RVIPF made a startling discovery late yesterday afternoon at a location on Virgin Gorda. Police allegedly uncovered two firearms, a quantity of marijuana, and other items of interest. Several individuals, including a school-age child, were taken into custody as a result.
We also understand that none of the items belonging to the victim has not been recovered.
As of press time, official information confirming the incident has not been forthcoming.
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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