Community leaders react as investigations unfold into fatal shooting in Dennery and Soufrière attack
CASTRIES, St Lucia — A fatal shooting in Dennery has left one man dead, marking the island’s 66th homicide of the year, while another victim remains in critical condition after a separate attack in Soufrière early Saturday.
Police confirmed that 24-year-old Jay Collimore, also known as “Juice Box,” was gunned down in the Dennery community of Trou Allow at approximately 2:45 a.m. Collimore was transported to hospital but later died from his injuries. Investigators have not disclosed what led to the shooting, although preliminary reports indicate that an altercation may have preceded the attack.
In Soufrière, authorities responded to a second incident that left another man seriously wounded. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was rushed to St. Jude Hospital, where he remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Political figures call for peace after violence
The incidents drew immediate reactions from political candidates in both communities, who expressed sorrow over the tragedies and urged residents to reject violence.
Benson Emile, the United Workers Party candidate for Dennery South, described Collimore as a vibrant young man whose presence had left a mark on the community. “It is sad that young persons feel the only way to resolve their differences is through violence. My young people of Dennery, your life matters; the lives of your fellow community members matter. Let us cherish and respect it,” Emile said in a statement on Facebook.
Reflecting on his interactions with Collimore, Emile added, “I’ve had many different opportunities to interact with Jay, both on a sporting and personal level, and he has always brought a positive and energetic attitude towards our aligned endeavors. He will surely be missed. Let us continue to pray for our community of Dennery and keep the family and friends of Jay in your thoughts. Rest in peace, young man.”
Herod Stanislas, the UWP candidate for Soufrière-Fond St. Jacques, also issued a public appeal for unity and an end to the bloodshed. “It is with deep sorrow that I address the tragic news of two recent shootings—one in Dennery and the other here in our own community in Soufrière. Sadly, I have been informed that one of the victims passed away,” he said.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends mourning this devastating loss. May God’s comfort and strength surround them in this time of unimaginable pain. To all my people of Soufrière-Fond St. Jacques and St Lucia, I urge you to lay down your arms. Violence will never bring healing or justice; it only deepens our wounds. We must come together and seek peace, remembering that too many guns and ammunition flood our streets.”
Stanislas added that he hoped the tragedy would inspire collective action for a “safer, more peaceful future” across the island.
Investigations ongoing
Law enforcement has not confirmed whether any arrests have been made in either case. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is appealing for information from the public as investigations continue. Authorities had previously reported a 16 percent decline in overall crime, but the latest shootings bring the national homicide tally to 66 for 2025 and renew concern about gun violence in Dennery and Soufrière.
Unitedpac St Lucia News will provide further updates as authorities release new details.
