Anguillian escapee Justin Skerritt Riley is in the custody of French authorities in Guadeloupe following his arrest in St Martin, police have confirmed.
He will remain in detention pending legal proceedings under French jurisdiction and any subsequent extradition process, the Royal Anguilla Police Force said in a press release on 6 August.
Skerritt Riley was charged with 20 offences including two counts of attempted murder following a shooting at a Rock Farm apartment complex on 15 July that left three people injured.
He was arrested after being restrained by a member of the public, and two weeks later on 29 July escaped custody of prison guards while being treated at the psychiatric ward of Princess Alexandra Hospital.
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The 19-year-old is now being detained under an active Interpol Red Notice, which alerts law enforcement agencies worldwide that he is wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.
“This designation underscores the gravity of the charges he faces and reflects the coordinated international effort to ensure he is brought to justice,” the press release said.
The matter is being managed in cooperation with international partners.
He is expected to face legal proceedings in St Martin, which must be addressed under French law, before extradition can be considered.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force thanked the officers of the Saint-Martin Gendarmerie, particularly Colonel Hugues Loyez, for their “swift and professional” assistance.
According to the press release, Colonel Loyez said: “The Saint-Martin Gendarmerie will always be there for its neighbours.”
While extradition proceedings are being explored, the Royal Anguilla Police Force reminded the public and would-be offenders that fleeing Anguilla is not a viable option for evading justice.
It explained that international cooperation between law enforcement agencies remains strong, and regional partners stand united in ensuring accountability and the rule of law.
Commissioner of Police Robert Clark said the focus now is firmly on uncovering how Skerritt Riley was able to escape lawful custody in the first place.
“That process is ongoing, and we remain committed to identifying any individuals who may have aided or enabled his escape of custody,” he said.
“His arrest in French St Martin, and subsequent transfer to Guadeloupe under an Interpol Red Notice, is a significant development, but it does not conclude the matter for Anguilla and our investigation continues with that aim in mind.”
The Royal Anguilla Police Force has formally laid 20 charges against the teen:
- 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 on any criminal activity can call police on 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
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