Crime/Police
Essadro Jefferson Acquitted of 2016 Attempted Murder Charge Against David Springette
A nine-member mixed jury, consisting of seven women and two men, has reached a not-guilty verdict in the trial of Essadro Jefferson for attempting to murder David Springette.
The incident occurred on December 12, 2016, when Springette came under fire while in Long Look. Tortola. He was hit in the foot in that instance.
During the trial, the prosecution relied on evidence statements from the victim, police and others.
It was Springette’s statement that had led investigating Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), armed with a warrant, to the home of Jeffersons where, it was revealed during the trial, a spent shell which matched that of another found on the scene of the shooting fell from the pants of the accused during the search of his home. They also found clothing that matched what Springette had told them the shooter had on at the time of the incident.
Springette was the victim of another shooting on December 23, 2016, two weeks after that which Jefferson is found not guilty of. He was subsequently shot and killed on June 21, 2017.
One of the persons charged with Springette’s murder, Shakilla Hanley, was found not guilty last week after a no-case submission by her attorney Steven Daniel was upheld.
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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