Closure needed | RVIPF appeals for public’s help to solve murder, attempted murder cases

Residents of the British Virgin Islands are being urged to come forward with any information relating to two unsolved murders and an attempted murder which occurred last year.

Via a press release late Thursday, October 31, the Police Information Office late Thursday said, they are interested in information on the murder of Tyrone Thomas and Kareem Ettienne and the attempted murder of Idrecia Richards. 

“Detectives from the Major Crime Investigations Team have been working tirelessly for over a year trying to identify those involved in the two unrelated murders and an attempted murder,” the release said.

It continued: “Just over a year later, the Senior Investigating Officer of the Major Crime Investigations Team, Detective Inspector Vernon Larocque is still hopeful that a member of the public can help the police identify those responsible for these two callous shootings and commence the closure process for the grieving families.”

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said persons with information relating to the crimes can contact Detective Inspector Larocque directly on 284-368-9809 or via the Major Crime Investigation Team on 284-368-5682.

“All information will be treated with discretion and confidentiality will be assured,” the RVIPF promised.

The unsolved shootings

Before daybreak one October morning last year, Tyrone Thomas and Idrecia Richards were heading home from a night out when they were gunned down in Brady Ghut.

Thomas died as a result of his injuries. Richards who sustained ‘serious life-changing injuries’ survived.

Another East End man, 27-year-old Dee Dijion Hodge was named as a murder suspect in the matter. At the court appearance, police said they laid the charges against Hodge after they recovered a gun, a quantity of ammunition, and $2 million worth of cocaine near the crime scene and the near the suspect’s home.

He was charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another, unlawful possession of explosives, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. No murder charges were laid against him.

The court heard that Hodge and the deceased man were owners of a car rental company in the territory. 

At about 9.30 pm on the same date, a Kareem Ettienne was fatally shot while he was at his home with his family at Fahie Hill.

The killing occurred in the presence of his children and family members.

Highly-placed sources said that Ettiene received at least two gunshots to the chest after the shooter/s inconspicuously gained access and discharged multiple shots.

It is not clear how many assailants were involved in the shooting but based on information to our news centre the murder was a targeted attack.