BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Aug. 19.2018 – COMMISSIONER of Police, Ian Queeley has sent a warning to the perpetrators of the killing of Sergeant Leon Powell, that no effort will be spared in bringing those responsible to justice.
Sergeant Powell, 44, was killed on Saturday morning (Aug. 18) when two armed men robbed patrons of an establishment he owned and operated. According to the law men, Powell put up a fight before receiving several shots about his body.
At a media briefing last evening, CoP Queeley said the news of his death stirred mixed emotions within, pointed out that he deeply saddened and totally outraged “as we mourn the loss of a very loyal and committed Police Officer”.
At the time of his death, he was the Subordinate Police Officer in charge of the Stapleton Police District.
Following the incident, an emergency meeting was held with Senior Officers of the force to brief them on the progress of the investigation so far. Also present was Retired Senior Superintendent Colin Pinnock, a consultant out of Jamaica, who is currently providing support to the Crime Directorate.
Additionally, another meeting was held, and the High Command met with all ranks of the Force.
“I have already met with members of Sergeant Powell’s family and a full range of support will be made available to them and his close friends, as well as the members of the force with regards to counselling and emotional support. Especially on the heels of Sergeant Dwight Davis death, it is even more important that we utilize the support services now as many of us are still going through the healing process,” said Queeley.
In strong words, Queeley described the perpetrators as “cowards”, who for their own “selfish gain and greed have senselessly cut him down in the prime of his life, by brutally killing him.
He stressed that the perpetrators of the crime “will find no comfort”.
“I give my commitment here and now that we will hunt you down and flush you out from wherever you are hiding and bring you to justice. I consider this to be an attack on the entire organization and, by extension, the State, and as such we will respond in an appropriate manner,” said Queeley.
He continued, “For our country, crime is unacceptable, and such violent acts against the Police, the guardians of this nation, are totally unacceptable. The men and women who have taken the oath to serve this country and knowingly put their lives on the line every day to protect others are held in the highest regard. I have said it before and I will say it again. No acts of violence against them will be tolerated.”.
Powell’s death followed the shooting death of 37-year-old Sgt. Dwight Davis of Dieppe Bay.
In May, Davis’ body was found on a dirt road in the said area with bullet wounds. Police have since laid charges against one person in connection to that incident.
