BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – In less than a month into the new year, the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has recorded its second homicide.
Yesterday, SKNVibes was informed that a male had succumbed to his injuries after being stabbed sometime on Tuesday. The incident took place in the vicinity of the Elite Laundry located on the Island’s Main Road, St. Johnston’s Village.
Other unconfirmed reports suggested that the man was taken to the Joseph N. France General Hospital where he was seeking treatment.
Attempts were made by this media house to ascertain from the police whether the rumours were true, but they yielded nothing.
A police press release issued today (Jan. 23) confirms that a man by the name of Joseph ‘White Joe’ King was indeed wounded on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 and died on the following day.
“On 20th January 2009 at about 1:40 a.m. police responded to a report of wounding along the island main road at St. Johnston Village and met 54 year old Joseph ‘White Joe’ King of St. Johnston Village soaked in what appeared to be blood. He was taken to the JNF Hospital where he was admitted. At about 2:55 p.m. on 21st January 2009, Joseph King succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by the district medical doctor.”
The press release further informed that an autopsy was performed today on King’s body by resident pathologist Dr. Jesus Debrok, who concluded that death was due to “peritonitis due to a wound in the back which caused damage to the small intestine.”
Peritonitis, according to www.wikipedia.com, is “inflammation of the peritoneum [which is] the serous membrane which lines part of the abdominal cavity and some of the viscera it contains.”
Police Press and Public Relations Officer Inspector Cromwell Henry confirmed to SKNVibes that King was stabbed.
The police also informed that one person is in custody and is assisting with investigations.
Last year, the Federation had a record high murder rate of 23.
