BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — POLICE have filed additional charges against Jesus Valdez, a resident of John Street, Newtown, in connection with a double murder in the Newton Ground area.
According to the police, Valdez has been charged with the murders of 30-year-old Devon Parris and 9-year-old J’Marni Smithen, both of Craddock Road, Nevis.
The crime, which occurred on August 1, 2024, in Newton Ground, St. Kitts, sparked public outrage, particularly over the cruel manner in which the 9-year-old was killed.
An autopsy confirmed that both victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head. Businessman and social commentator Romeo Parris condemned the heinous act on WINN FM's Inside the News, stating, “A nine-year-old child being shot in the back of the head, execution style, is a grave concern for anyone—any civic-minded person, any police force, or any investigative body.”
This is not Valdez’s first charge for a serious crime. Police highlighted that he was previously charged on December 12, 2024, for the shooting death of 18-year-old Crisbel Rivera, also of Carty Alley, Newtown. That incident occurred on April 17, 2024, on John Street, Newtown.
The latest charges against Valdez were officially filed on December 23, 2024, at the Basseterre Police Station.
Over recent months, the police force has intensified efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the rise in gun violence. The Federation has recorded 28 homicides so far this year.
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