BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE national homicide toll has risen to a staggering 23, as Glenn Browne, the Federation’s latest shooting victim, succumbed to his injuries earlier this morning (Oct. 13) at the Joseph N. France Hospital.
Reliable sources informed this media house that the 24-year-old died at about 10:30 a.m. due to complications from his injuries. His death marks the 23rd homicide for 2009, equalling the record high set in 2008.
On Sunday (Oct. 11), Browne was shot while with friends in an alley between Fiennes Avenue and Thibou Avenue. According to a police communiqué issued that day, two masked gunmen approached the group and opened fire on them.
Browne was shot multiple times and subsequently transported to the hospital.
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes yesterday (Oct. 12), Browne’s mother, Laurel Browne, and his uncle, who chose to remain unnamed, gave insight into his character and background.
The Market Street resident grew up with his mother and father in McKnight, The Village and Newtown, before settling into his current residence. He attended the Basseterre Junior High and Senior High Schools and, at the time of his death, was employed at England Construction Co. in St. Peters.
Both his mother and uncle were adamant that Browne was not a troublemaker.
“He was just learning his trade, trying to put out his best. He was never a person to be getting in gang trouble. If he was wrong, I would say he was wrong, fine. But he was a good boy. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” his uncle said.
According to family members, Browne was shot four times; one each in his foot, arm, hand and head. During yesterday’s interview, his mother revealed that a bullet was still lodged in his head, and that the family was considering options to send him abroad for the necessary medical treatment.
“Right now we’re trying to get him flown out, which could cost in excess of US$40 000 for the air ambulance. If he doesn’t get the bullet out of his head soon, he will probably die,” she said.
