Last weekend, law enforcement officers faced a challenging situation as they investigated a series of fatal shootings that resulted in the deaths of three individuals and a few other persons injured.
The incidents took place in the communities of Jacmel, Marchand, and Marc, reflecting the escalation of violence in the country over recent years. The ongoing gang warfare, marked by young individuals wielding firearms, has had severe consequences on public safety and the welfare of communities.
On June 28, at approximately 12:10 a.m., officers from the Anse La Raye police responded to reports of a shooting that occurred around 11:56 p.m. the previous night.
At the scene in Jacmel, they discovered the lifeless body of Jason ‘Scooby’ Francois, a 27-year-old resident of Jacmel, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene. Two other individuals were injured during this incident, and investigations are ongoing.
Later that day, at about 10:15 p.m., the Marchand Police received reports of another shooting near the entrance of Mindoo Phillip Park. Upon arrival, officers found a male individual lying on his back in a pool of blood, suffering from gunshot wounds to the head, abdomen, and thigh. He was quickly transported to OKEU Hospital, but was pronounced dead at 10:24 p.m. The victim was identified as Jordon Lansiquot from Millet, Anse La Raye. Investigations are still underway in this case.
Earlier that same day, around 7:30 p.m., investigators from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) were called to yet another shooting in Marc, Bexon. Preliminary reports indicated that a 24-year-old male sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Owen King EU Hospital.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries the following day and was pronounced dead at 4:17 p.m. The deceased has been identified as Joel Mercier of Bexon, Castries. Ongoing investigations are continuing in this matter as well.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force urges anyone with information regarding these violent incidents to reach out to the Criminal Investigations Department at 456-3670. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Crime Hotline at 555 or via the Crime Hotline App.