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Police name victim of fatal Castries shooting near Derek Walcott Square as investigations continue into Monday’s daylight attack.
Castries, St. Lucia — Police have identified the victim of Monday’s fatal Castries shooting near Derek Walcott Square as Jahiem Papius of Babonneau. Papius was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical practitioner after the brazen daylight attack, which left another man critically injured.
The fatal Castries shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. in the heart of Castries, sending shockwaves through the bustling city center. Eyewitnesses reported that the shooters fled the scene on a motorcycle, leaving bystanders scrambling for cover. Both victims were found lying on the grass of Derek Walcott Square, bleeding from gunshot wounds.
01
of 03Eyewitness Accounts
A man who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting described hearing rapid gunfire and seeing people running for their lives. He recounted that stray bullets could have easily hit innocent bystanders.
“I was within range of the bullets,” the witness told reporters. “And that is frightening.”
Social media posts following the incident included a photo of a vehicle parked near the square with what appeared to be a bullet hole. “Better it hit a car than an innocent bystander,” one person commented.
02
of 03A Mother’s Grief
The tragedy resonated deeply with a woman who lost her son to gun violence in Vieux Fort last year. Overcome with emotion as she witnessed the aftermath, she spoke tearfully to reporters.
“I seeing this young guy there. It reminds me of my son. I just lost my son and seeing that is too much,” she lamented.
She begged for an end to the ongoing bloodshed, pleading, “Too much. Too much. Too much killing. It has to stop. Somebody, please. Please do something about it. Please.”
With the holiday season approaching, she reflected on the potential grief of the victim’s family.
“Every time some parent losing a child. You know how that makes somebody feel? Not to mention if that person had children. The children probably waiting on daddy,” she said.
03
of 03Community Reaction and Concerns
The boldness of the attack in broad daylight has left many residents uneasy, with renewed calls for action to address the rise in violent crime.
Law enforcement officials continue their investigation into the fatal Castries shooting, which they described as a targeted attack. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or report anonymously via the Crime Hotline.
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