Fatal La Clery shooting leaves security guard dead

Police confirm fatal La Clery shooting during attempted robbery

CASTRIES, St Lucia – A fatal La Clery shooting has left a 27-year-old security guard dead following an attempted robbery at a supermarket in the community on Monday afternoon, police have confirmed. The incident occurred at Falcon Mart Supermarket, formerly known as Wintrades, shortly after noon and has pushed St Lucia’s homicide count to five for 2026.

Police said the victim has been identified as Ceasar Bascombe, a security guard who was on duty at the time. He was initially reported injured after gunfire erupted during the attempted robbery, but later succumbed to his wounds. Authorities formally confirmed his identity and death as investigations continued.

Details of the unfolding situation were first outlined in an initial report on the attempted robbery at La Clery supermarket published shortly after the shooting.

Officers from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force responded to reports of gunfire and cordoned off the area surrounding the supermarket as forensic teams processed the scene. No arrests have been reported, and investigators have not released descriptions of the suspects.

Police said Bascombe was shot during an alleged armed robbery at the supermarket. The business and nearby surroundings were temporarily closed as officers conducted inquiries and gathered evidence.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that at least two gunshots were heard before four men fled the scene in two separate directions. Police have not independently confirmed those details but said investigators are continuing to interview witnesses who were in the area at the time.

A woman who works in the area said she had just returned from Castries and parked in the shared lot between the supermarket and the community centre when the shooting occurred. She expressed concern about safety in La Clery, noting that while the area had experienced criminal activity in the past, there had been a period of relative calm in recent months.

“They used to have robberies in the place, but none were like this, where somebody was killed,” she said.

A resident who knew Bascombe described him as a kind and gentle individual and expressed hope that those responsible would be brought to justice. Police have not commented on any possible motive beyond the attempted robbery and cautioned that the investigation remains active.

The killing has renewed concern among residents and business operators in the densely populated community on the outskirts of central Castries, where supermarkets and wholesale outlets commonly employ private security, particularly during peak hours.

Police said they are reviewing surveillance footage from the supermarket and nearby properties and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the Criminal Investigations Department or through established confidential channels.

Authorities said further updates will be issued as more verified information becomes available.