Nineteen-year-old Justin Skerritt Riley of Stoney Ground, who has been charged with 20 offences including two counts of attempted murder – has escaped custody.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force issued a statement just before 3.30pm on Tuesday, 29 July, urging the public to assist in providing information to help with his recapture.
Skerritt Riley had been taken from His Majesty’s Prison to the psychiatric ward at Princess Alexandra Hospital for medical attention, police said.
He escaped from the custody of prison officers between 2.30pm and 2.40pm and was last seen wearing black trousers and no t-shirt.
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“A search is now underway, and we are asking the public to remain alert and to report any sightings or information about his whereabouts,” the police statement said.
“Members of the public are strongly advised not to approach Riley but to contact the police immediately.”
Skerritt Riley was arrested on 15 July after being restrained by a member of the public at the scene of the early morning shooting at a Rock Farm apartment complex that left three people injured.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force formally laid multiple charges against the teenager as a result of ongoing investigations, according to a press release on 23 July.
They are:
- Three counts of possession of a firearm with no firearm user’s licence with intent to endanger life
- Three counts of grievous bodily harm
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of use of a firearm to commit an offence, namely attempted murder
- Two counts of use of a firearm to commit an offence, namely wounding
- Two counts of trespass with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm with a firearm
- One count of possession of a firearm with no firearm user’s licence
- One count of possession of ammunition with no firearm user’s licence
- One count of use of a firearm with intent to commit an offence, namely assault
- One count of discharge of a firearm
- One count of unlawful assault
- One count of trespass
Anyone with information can call police on 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
Information from the website is stored in a secure location in California where access to it is tightly controlled.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was updated at 9am on 30 July to reflect a revised time of escape and details of Skerritt Riley’s clothing.
