A 25-year-old Rey Hill man was fatally shot in a convenience store opposite Sol Gas Station on Albert Lake Drive in The Valley on Friday, 27 June.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force said the shooting occurred shortly after 11am at the central location.
The victim, who has been identified as Pajal Liburd, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police released CCTV footage on 30 June of a single suspect arriving at the shop on a black scooter and then leaving again. The video can be viewed here.
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The latest killing marks the ninth homicide in Anguilla so far this year.
It comes just three days after Jarmarie Richardson, 36, of Pond Ground was found dead inside a vehicle near Sile Bay beach with suspected gunshot wounds.
‘Senseless act’
“I wish to express my deepest condolences to all those families whose lives have been forever changed,” he said.
Patterson said the investigation into the recent incident is active and police are following several promising leads.
“You will see more officers in your communities as we step up patrols and operations to deter further violence,” he added.
A call for help
Patterson went on to call for help from every member of the community in Anguilla – including mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters.
“If you know of a relative or anyone who is carrying guns, if you know where these firearms are kept, or how they are coming into this island, do not wait until another life is lost,” he said.
“Speak to the police, not just among yourselves. When you stay silent, you allow the people responsible for this violence to continue to roam free which makes Anguilla unsafe for all.
“Every person who has lost their life represents a son, a father, a brother or a friend whose life mattered.
“If you know something, no matter how small, share it. Tell us who has guns, where they are kept, and how they were obtained.”
Profound grief
Governor Julia Crouch also issued a statement on the day of the shooting in which she said she is “extremely concerned” about the latest acts of violence and strongly condemned the shootings.
“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of the victims,” she said.
“I recognise the profound grief and fear these incidents have caused, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected. These acts of violence are not reflective of the Anguilla we know and cherish.”
She said that while it is too early to determine whether the two events are connected, she urged the public not to speculate.
Crouch added that she has spoken with Premier Cora Richardson Hodge and they are united in their determination to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.
Regular updates
The governor said she is receiving regular updates on the ongoing investigations from the police commissioner and commended officers for their swift response.
“The commissioner has assured us that all necessary resources are being deployed to identify and apprehend those responsible,” she said.
She thanked the members of the public who have already come forward with information and urged others with knowledge of the crimes – no matter how minor it may seem – to come forward.
“We need Anguillians to come together. We must not allow fear or violence to define us,” she said.
“Let us support one another, stand firm against those who seek to do harm, and work collectively to preserve the peace and safety of our island.”
Anyone with information can call (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 10am on 30 June to clarify that the man was found in a convenience store opposite the gas station – not in the gas station.
