Is Erickson’s murder getting special attention?

Some sections of the Virgin Islands community are criticising elected leaders and the police for what they perceive as “special attention” being given to the murder of Nyron Erickson — despite his known links to the drug trade that has been destabilising the territory.

Erickson was gunned down in the West End community on May 11. Although never convicted, he had been imprisoned and faced multiple money laundering and narcotics-related charges in both the BVI and the United States.

Following his murder, several elected leaders publicly expressed condolences to his family and called on those involved in violent crime to put down their weapons. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley also urged prayer warriors to pray against the ongoing scourge of crime and violence affecting the community.

However, some residents have pushed back, arguing that there are numerous unsolved murders that have not received the same level of attention as Erickson’s case. They have also pointed to other families of gun violence victims, claiming that officials and law enforcement did not act as promptly or show the same degree of public sympathy in those instances.

Erickson’s killing prompted a press conference by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), during which a journalist questioned the apparent heightened interest in this case, despite police previously acknowledging Erickson’s involvement in the drug trade.

“If there were a person who’s had several run-ins with the law, other jurisdictions and police officers would say that’s one less person for us to worry about. Why is there this particular interest at a time when the law enforcement report is out and other criticisms are against the force?” the journalist asked.

In response, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Kenrick Davis emphasised that the police give equal attention to all cases. He explained that the press conference was not called solely in response to Erickson’s murder, but because of a broader rise in gun-related incidents.

“This is not about one incident, it’s about several firearm incidents—19 robberies, two homicides which resulted from firearms. This is about balancing the needs of the investigation but also to ensure that there are no residual risks to the public,” ACP Davis said.

He added: “Regardless of the characteristic of the victim, we approach it with the same vim, vigour and vitality. We have a constitutional duty to preserve life, all life, and that’s something we take seriously.”

As public calls grow louder for fairness in the handling of violent crimes and a tougher stance overall, police remain on high alert amid fears that Erickson’s death could trigger reprisals from warring factions within the community.