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.
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Now we know who missing the gravy train or their salaries! All ah them who upset or complaining about his murder
From the Premier more than any other murder. Hmmm
The Premier never gave this much attention to his buddy Andrew when he was arrested or convicted.
The premier threw many people who supported him under the bus. It’s a typical politician move then them learn the hard way.
Even the DPP has a big interest and is giving lots of attention in helping getting this murder solved.
I am going to go out on a limb here because I definitely didn’t see this for my friend Ashburn Dawson. His death deserved this type of attention and so did every other one. But there is a difference that I can see and it is the leadership of the Force. A lot of you continue to say bring the UK. Let them come. But all that Metropolitan Police Force experience and they simply say oh, the young men are into drugs and killing each other.
So let them. Now that we have a local running the Police Force who gives directives, we see a difference. I applaud Ms. Vanterpool and her team. Continue your good work.
Regardless of what you may think of him, the man did what he had to do and that’s life. While the end is not what we wanted, justice still needs to be served
no he did what his greed needed
See who sliding for you now the cops. None of his so call gun man not sliding for him, his sister talking crap when he said he put green light on people she was to tell him that not the way to do things now he on ice from head to toes.
The green light was on dude the first day he step out of prison on bail.
In All his mog shots he looks like he knows he was going to dead, thanks you very much small Brent
He is a local and four generations he must get special attention he is no Antiguan
stupidity has no boundary. a life is a life regardless of where that person born. the same morgue and the same grave for everybody who get un-alive.
So all of them running like chickens without heads. Anyone can see this case took priority over all the other cases. Once a victim is buried,the police forget their existence.
Stupidity is a bliss. What does being Antiguan has to do with this.
This whole article is ridiculous. If they don’t mention it, you same ones will say that they condone it. It has to get attention.