Man, woman charged for 2 murders

Shawn Richards (left) and the two accused – Shakilla Hanley and Shakeel Ryan. Photo credit:

A man and woman who reside at Long Look on Tortola have been charged in relation to two gun murders committed this year, said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

The murder victims are David Springette and Shaun Richards.

The two charged are 29-year-old Shakilla Hanley, and 22-year-old Shakeel Ryan who is a native of St Kitts.

Both were further charged with a separate count of attempted murder in relation to one of the persons eventually killed – Springette.

The alleged murderers are in police custody awaiting the next available court date.

Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews said he is grateful for the painstaking and dedicated teamwork that went into making the arrests.

“It is very difficult to resist the temptation to respond and defend the Force when those in the community give commentary on its actions or inactions, particularly those who see murders solved in the hour span of a prime time TV show.”

“However, compiling the evidence to bring perpetrators of gun crimes in particular murderers to justice takes a lot longer than an hour, and requires a great deal more effort. Very few appreciate or understand the difference. In these types of investigations, unfortunately, the least said, the better for us,” said Commissioner Matthews.

“I am very proud of the work of the officers of the Major Crime Team in these cases. I personally get to see their drive and dedication in all the cases.”

In the meantime, Shawn Richards was shot outside his residence in Long Look on the evening of May 6. He succumbed to his injuries on May 8.

David Springette was shot outside the Wayside Bar in Fat Hogs Bay on the evening of June 21. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Springette had survived two earlier attempts made on his life.

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