Police have attributed the lack of charges in five of Anguilla’s six homicides this year to the “unique challenges” presented by each case.
In an email to Anguilla Focus on Friday, 13 September, a spokesperson said the Royal Anguilla Police Force is committed to conducting thorough and meticulous investigations to ensure that justice is served.
“While progress may sometimes appear slow, this approach is necessary to avoid errors and ensure that any charges brought are supported by solid evidence,” they said.
“Our goal is always to bring all those responsible to justice, but this requires time, resources, and the full cooperation of the public.”
They urged anyone with information “no matter how small or seemingly insignificant” to come forward and help in the investigations.
“Your support is critical in solving these cases and ensuring that Anguilla remains a safe and secure community,” they added.
‘Meticulous work’
Acting Governor Perin Bradley told Anguilla Focus that the safety and security of Anguilla’s citizens and residents are of paramount concern to both his office and the Government of Anguilla.
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force continues to diligently pursue all leads to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are apprehended and held accountable,” he said in a letter on 13 September.
The acting governor, whose office is responsible for internal security, said that it is “crucial” to understand that homicide investigations can be complex and time-consuming.
They may involve multiple leads, forensic analysis, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies, “all of which require patience and meticulous work to secure successful prosecutions”, he added.
Bradley continued: “While the number of charges brought so far might seem low, it does not necessarily reflect the progress or intensity of the investigations.”
He stressed that the community’s cooperation is vital, and urged anyone with information related to the cases to come forward to assist the police in their investigations.
Charges laid
Deshawn Corbett, 18, of Spring Path, was arrested on 19 March in relation to the shooting of Kemanne Blyden, 27, from Deep Waters in residential dwelling in South Hill on 3 March.
He was charged with three counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and endangering life.
Corbett appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on 22 March and was remanded to His Majesty’s Prison where he remains.
Blyden succumbed to his injuries nearly three months later on 25 May, making the shooting Anguilla’s second homicide of 2024.
The first was the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Verdell Rogers from The Quarter at an establishment on Canon Ball Road in The Valley at about 1.15pm on 4 January.
There were no more homicides in Anguilla until July when a month-long spate of shooting deaths followed.
Summer homicides
At about 11.30pm on 10 July, 26-year-old Jhareem Carter was killed in a shooting on Long Bay Road.
Then, just days later, during a government press conference, Acting Commissioner of Police Haslyn Patterson said there had been a fatality in Blowing Point on 14 July.
Police later confirmed the victim was Juwany Walters, aged 29, and from Blowing Point.
Thirty-three-year-old Randy Gumbs from Bad Cox Pond was then shot and killed at about 10.40am on 19 July in a vehicle outside the Anguilla Courthouse, which he was due to attend that morning.
Finally, Kalik Aaron, 26, from the US Virgin Islands, was shot dead in what police described as a “targeted” shooting on Road Well Road in Sandy Ground at about 9.40pm on 11 August.
No-one has been charges in any of the summer homicides.
‘Working tirelessly’
In their email, the police spokesperson extended “heartfelt sympathies” to the families and friends of all of the victims.
“We understand the immense pain and frustration that comes with waiting for answers and closure,” they said.
“Please rest assured that the Royal Anguilla Police Force is working tirelessly on these cases.
“Our officers are deeply committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, and we will continue to pursue every lead until justice is achieved.”
The acting governor also expressed deepest sympathies to those who have lost family members or friends to violence.
“We recognise the profound pain and uncertainty that comes with waiting for justice to be served,” he said.
Anyone with information on any of these incidents can call 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at www.gov.ai/911
Information from the website is stored in a secure location in California in the United States of America and access to it is tightly controlled.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was update on 17 September to include the name of the 4 January shooting victim, and on 23 September to include the names of the 14 July and 19 July shooting victims.
