On the morning of Sunday 20 January 2019 the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) was called to respond to a domestic disturbance in the area of Cove Road in the West End. Two officers were dispatched to attend to this report. While attending the incident, Romaldo Richardson 23 years old, was shot by one of the attending officers.
Romaldo was immediately transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment. Sadly, in the early hours of 25 January, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away. A post mortem conducted on 28 January indicated the cause of death as acute respiratory distress syndrome and wound trauma and haemorrhage.
Prior to Romaldo’s death, on 21 January 2019, the Governor asked the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. The investigation was directed by the RVIP’s Commissioner of Police Mr Michael Matthews.
Two RVIP officers visited Anguilla twice – in January and October as part of their investigation. They visited the scene, spoke with witnesses, interviewed the officers directly involved in the incident and others on duty, but not at the scene, at that time.
The independent review concludes that:
i. the situation facing the officers on arrival at the scene was volatile and dangerous. Romaldo, now known to have had a history of mental illness, had already wounded one family member and was threatening others, including young children;
ii. the circumstances met the RAPF’s established criteria for an armed response
to the call out; and
iii. the circumstances at the scene required an immediate and robust response and the use of a firearm was necessary to prevent loss of life.
The RVIPF’s report was referred to me for my consideration.
I have carefully considered the RVIP’s report. I have concluded that on the basis of all the evidence presented therein – including extensive and detailed witness accounts – the preferment of criminal charges against either or both of the RAPF officers attending the incident does not meet the threshold necessary for a sustainable prosecution in the public interest.
This does not mean that the actions of the two officers were entirely justified or that the RAPF fully followed all protocols and operating procedures it has in place to manage situations like this.
With my consideration of this matter now concluded, the Commissioner of Police may now pursue internal disciplinary matters. Similarly, any non-criminal legal action may also now be taken forward. With both actions pending or possible, I am not in a position to release further information at this time.
This is a sad case; my sympathies lie with Romaldo’s family who has lost a son in tragic circumstances.
Hon. Dwight Horsford, Esq.
Attorney-General
