Crime/Police
BVI homicide victim identified as St. Vincent national — reportedly had loaded guns in his possession
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.
Crime/Police
Firearm and Drugs Seized in Weekend Operations by RVIPF
In a series of operations over the weekend, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) made significant strides in their ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, seizing illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition, and arresting a minor in possession of a prohibited weapon.
Firearm Seizure and Arrest
The first operation took place on Friday, August 31, when officers from the Virgin Gorda Police Station responded to a report of a possible firearm at a local residence. Upon arrival, officers were granted permission by the minor’s father to conduct a search of the property. During the search, an AK-47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition were discovered concealed in a green towel. A 14-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Prohibited Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Explosives. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Magistrate’s Court on September 3.
Controlled Drug Seizure in Scatliffe Alley
Later that evening, a second operation in Scatliffe Alley led to the discovery of a significant quantity of drugs hidden in an old refrigerator. Among the substances seized were 357.1 grams of a green vegetable matter suspected to be marijuana, 27.2 grams of a white powdered substance believed to be cocaine, and 141.7 grams of a hard, off-white substance suspected to be crack cocaine.
Ammunition Magazine Recovered at Capoon’s Bay
On Saturday, August 31, another operation in Capoon’s Bay resulted in the recovery of an extended empty magazine from an old, discarded deep freezer outside a local establishment. The operation also included searches of over 20 individuals and vehicles in the area.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commented on the weekend’s operations, stating, “These successful operations underscore our commitment to maintaining public safety and combating illegal activities in our community.”
The RVIPF continues to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity. Individuals can confidentially contact the Crime Stoppers line at 800-8477 (TIPS) or call 1-284-800-8477 from overseas, or reach the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Even the smallest piece of information could be vital in ongoing investigations.
Crime/Police
Man Charged After Stop-and-Check Operation Amid Crackdown on Public Disorder
Romario Morgan, 28, a resident of Chalwell Estate, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled drug following an intelligence-led stop-and-check operation conducted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on Friday, August 23.
Morgan was granted bail set at $5,000 and is scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on August 29, 2024. His arrest comes as part of a concerted effort by the RVIPF to address recent incidents of public disorder and enhance community safety across the territory.
The proactive operations continued into the weekend. On Saturday, August 24, police patrols in the Purcell Estate area resulted in the arrest of two additional males who attempted to evade officers. The individuals were interviewed and processed before being placed on conditional bail, requiring them to report back to the Road Town Police Station on September 25, 2024.
Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool underscored the importance of these ongoing efforts to maintain law and order within the community. “We will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the peace and security of our communities. The RVIPF will persist in its efforts to apprehend those who engage in criminal behavior and bring them to justice,” she stated.
The RVIPF is calling upon the public to support these initiatives by reporting any suspicious activities or providing information that may assist in ongoing investigations. Authorities emphasize that community cooperation remains a critical component in the fight against crime and the promotion of a safe and secure environment for all residents.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the RVIPF confidentially through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS) or reach out to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Even the smallest piece of information can prove invaluable in advancing these investigations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Crime/Police
Go-Fast Vessel Intercepted Near Jost Van Dyke: Suspects Remain at Large After Firing on Officers
A joint effort between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection resulted in the interception of a high-speed “go-fast” vessel near the shores of Jost Van Dyke on Sunday, August 25.
The operation quickly escalated when the occupants of the vessel opened fire on law enforcement officers before abandoning their craft on the western end of the island and fleeing on foot.
Despite an extensive search of the area, the suspects remain at large, prompting concerns about the continued threat they may pose. The intercepted vessel is now in police custody, and a full investigation is underway to uncover the identities and intentions of those involved.
Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the dangers posed by such brazen criminal activity. “The reckless actions of these criminals endanger not just our officers but the entire community. We cannot allow our waters to become a haven for illegal activity. It is imperative that we unite to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of our islands,” Vanterpool declared.
The RVIPF is urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. Citizens are encouraged to confidentially contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS) or reach out to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Authorities stress that no detail is too small, as even seemingly minor information could be crucial in advancing the investigation and ensuring the continued safety of the Virgin Islands.
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