$95K jump in reward for info on murder

The government is providing $95,000 for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the person responsible for the gun murder of Ashburn Dawson on March 10.

The High Court Registry employee was murdered after nightfall near the Sunday Morning Well in Road Town.

“The $95,000 when added to the $5,000 provided by the family in June of this year brings the total to a hefty $100,000 for the person who provides the information that leads to the apprehension and successful prosecution of the offender,” said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), which noted that the additional funds have been approved by the National Security Council.

It further said: “The reward will be paid only for substantial, provable information. Officers of the Major Crime Team, who are conducting the murder investigation, will evaluate the information and determine if its value warrants the payment of all or a percentage of the $100,000. The information provided should support existing and ongoing inquiries by the team. A portion of the reward may be given for information which advances the investigation to the next level. The ultimate decision on payment will rest with the Commissioner of Police.”

The RVIPF stated that the relatives of the late Dawson are grateful for the additional $95,000.

“The family of Ashburn Dawson is grateful to Government for providing the additional monies, and hopes that persons who have information into Ashburn’s death would be encouraged to come forward and help to bring some level of closure in his tragic death.”

“Persons with information can contact the senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Joe Goff or one of his team directly at 368-9809. All information will be treated sensitively and with the highest level of confidence,” the RVIPF further said.

Seven people have been murdered in the British Virgin Islands since the start of the year. The others are: Alston Penn, Franklyn Fahie, Jefferson Joseph, Shaun Richards, Sherika Nelson, and David ‘Mooney’ Springette.