Izum dies during treatment to gunshot wounds

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN spite of the valiant efforts by medical practitioners at the Joseph N France General Hospital, Collin ‘Izum’ Matthew succumbed to gunshot wounds he received earlier today (Mar. 2) in Ponds Extension.

Information reaching this media house indicates that Matthew died at approximately 5:20 this afternoon while being treated for multiple gunshot wounds to the right side of his body.

According to reports, Matthew was within a black rental motorcar RA 16 on Catherine Julius Street (a.k.a. First Street) in Ponds Extension when an individual(s) in a white rental vehicle opened fire on him causing multiple injuries to his body.

Residents in the area said they heard the report of eight shot being fired and by the time they could have arrived on the scene to investigate, the white vehicle had already dispersed leaving Matthew lying in his car.

He was taken to the hospital in the car he rented but did not survive the treatment administered. According to a police release, a post mortem examination would be performed on his body to ascertain the cause of death.

The release also stated that “the police are appealing to persons who have information on this incident to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at telephone number 465-2241 extension 220, 230, 236 or the crime hotline at 707. Information can be given anonymously and will be kept in strict confidence”. 

This has been the fifth homicide to have occurred in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis for the year. 

Eighteen-year-old Jusan Kareem Raphael Hendricks, also known as Jusbo, of New Road and West Bourne Ghaut died at the JNF Hospital on Tuesday, February 24 after he was shot multiple times in Pub Magnum, a shop situated in Fort Thomas Road between Thibou and Fiennes Avenues, Basseterre.

On Tuesday, January 20, Joseph ‘White Joe’ King (54) was stabbed in the vicinity of the Elite Laundry located on the Island’s Main Road, St. Johnston’s Village. He too was taken to the JNF Hospital where he died at approximately 2:55 p.m. on the following day.

Eleven days earlier, 17-year-old Isimba Bradley, also known as Simba and Ratty, of Fiennes Avenue, Basseterre was shot by a masked man while walking with a friend in Central Street. He ran all the way from that area and succumbed to his injuries on the Bay Road.

And on Friday, February 6, Shawn ‘X Man’Dias-Williams of West Farm died at the JNF General Hospital after he was shot in Saddlers Village.

Investigations into these homicides are also ongoing.