Gun violence in St Lucia escalates after Marchand shooting claims another life
CASTRIES, St Lucia – July 20, 2025 — One man is dead and another hospitalized following a deadly early morning shooting in Marchand on Saturday, adding to the growing wave of gun violence that has gripped St Lucia in recent weeks. The incident marks the island’s 42nd recorded homicide for the year.
Emergency personnel from the Saint Lucia Fire Service were dispatched to the scene around 1:40 a.m. on July 5. Upon arrival, they found one adult male in the company of police officers, suffering from two gunshot wounds to his left arm. He was treated at the scene before being transported to hospital for advanced care.
Nearby, first responders discovered a second man lying face down and unresponsive. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the eye and showed no signs of life. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The matter was handed over to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force for investigation.
Police have not yet released the identities of either victim. As of Monday, no arrests had been made, and the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
The Marchand killing is the latest in a string of deadly gun attacks that have struck communities across the island. On July 3, a mass shooting in Wilton’s Yard claimed three lives, including that of a pregnant woman, in one of the most brazen attacks of the year. Related: Wilton’s Yard Shooting: Pregnant Woman Among 3 Dead
That tragedy followed the June 30 homicide of Kennedy Leon in Dennery during a violent spree that left several others injured. Read: Kennedy Leon Killed in Dennery Shooting Spree
Just days before the Marchand incident, a man was killed and another injured in a separate shooting along Arundel Hill, also located within Castries South East. Coverage: Arundel Hill Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured in Marchand
These back-to-back attacks have heightened public anxiety and increased pressure on law enforcement and government officials to deliver tangible results. Despite assurances from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Ministry of National Security, critics argue that strategies have so far failed to curb the bloodshed.
Residents in crime-stricken areas have voiced growing frustration over the slow pace of investigations and what they describe as a lack of visible policing in high-risk zones. Concerns have also been raised about the illegal flow of firearms and the need for stronger border controls.
Police are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the Marchand investigation. Officers have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
With this latest homicide, the national death toll from gun violence in St Lucia continues to climb. The frequency and intensity of these attacks have sparked renewed calls for a comprehensive, island-wide response to restore safety and confidence.
For continued coverage of St Lucia’s rising crime crisis and law enforcement developments, follow Unitedpac St Lucia News.
