BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Federation is mourning the senseless killing of another individual, with the number of homicides for the year now reaching 25.
The latest victim has been identified as 42-year-old Azziwah Niles-Jones of Lower Prickley Pear Alley. His body was discovered slouched over in his car along the Island’s Main Road at Hololand Ghaut last evening (Aug. 20).
According to a media statement from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, authorities are investigating both a homicide and an attempted murder that occurred around 9:30 p.m. Police reports indicate that they arrived at the scene to find Niles-Jones dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
His vehicle was located on the mountain side of the road, facing toward Basseterre.
Dr. Rubaine, the District Medical Officer (DMO), examined the body and pronounced Niles-Jones dead at the scene.
During the investigation, officers from the Violent Crime Unit visited the Joseph N. France General Hospital (JNF), where they found Vadel Benjamin of Lower Cayon being treated for a single gunshot wound to the back of his neck. Benjamin is currently in stable condition and remains hospitalized.
The police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that could lead to a successful prosecution in this case. In response to the rising crime rates, law enforcement agencies have increased patrols in hotspots and implemented more stop-and-search operations.
Additionally, there is mounting pressure from the opposition and various sectors of society on the government to address the escalating crime issue and develop effective solutions.
