After a week of investigations into the first murder in Anguilla for 2016, the Royal Anguilla Police Force says it is actively “pursuing several lines of inquiry” into the unfortunate incident which rocked the island.”
The capital crime was committed shortly after 10.30 pm on Thursday, January 28 at West End when 43-year-old Roosevelt Fitzroy “Junior” Richardson of Island Harbour was gunned down. According to a Police press release, “the victim, who had just finished his tour of duty, was attacked by an unknown assailant who shot him several times in the upper body before fleeing the scene, leaving him to die.” He “later succumbed to those injuries.”
The release went on: “As the Police continue investigation into this matter, they are appealing to members of the public who may have been in West End, and may have witnessed this shooting incident, or have any information regarding [it] to contact The Valley Police Station with such information.”
Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, in condemning the shooting, issued a statement which reads in part:
“This is the first murder of record for 2016. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children, as well as his mother; grandmother; his siblings; other family members and friends. I must also mention the co-workers ofthis young man at both of the workplaces where he spent a great deal of his productive time.
“Our people seem helpless as this scourge of gun violence persists in our communities. And every blast of the ambulance and the police siren becomes a painful reminder to some spouse; mother; some father; relative or friend that this could be their turn to mourn. Such incidents belie the mantra of “tranquility wrapped in blue” that we proudly uphold for our destination and beloved homeland, Anguilla. A mantra that we promote to the rest of the world.
“I would like to take this opportunity to urge all Anguillians and residents of Anguilla to continue the crusade against violence in our communities. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us, whatever our vocation or station in life, to unite to stamp out — and eradicate all forms of violence in our society. There is no place for this scourge in the Anguilla we have pledged to build —a nation proud, strong and free.
“It is ironic that even as we celebrate Police Week and applaud the service of the Royal Anguilla Police Force the importance of their work for a safe and secure Anguilla is being challenged.
“At this stage of the process of bringing the cowardly perpetrator or perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice— it is important that we all cooperate with the officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force as they carry out their investigations. They are the ones that have been charged with the authority to do so for the safety and security of our communities.
“There is no need for anyone to take the law into his/her own hands or to withhold useful in formation that can lead to the prosecution of guilty persons. We must begin to appreciate the importance of our own responsibilities in bringing this scourge of violence in our homeland to a swift and complete conclusion.
“Your Government pledges to stand with you by bringing all available resources to the task of eradicating violence in our communities and to cooperating with all those persons and groups who unite behind this important crusade.”
Governor Christina Scott commented as follows: “A powerful statement, with which I fully agree, was issued earlier today from the Chief Minister following Thursday evening’s shooting. It was a mindless crime which will have wide implications. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Richardson. My thanks go out to the officers of the RAPF and others who worked through the night and are continuing to work to bring those responsible to justice.”
