Rakim Romlelle Joseph shot dead in White Rock in St Lucia’s 27th homicide
GROS ISLET, St Lucia (May 20, 2025) — Rakim Romlelle Joseph, a 26-year-old resident of Piat, Grand Riviere, Gros Islet, was fatally shot late Monday night in White Rock, Grande Riviere, marking St Lucia’s 27th homicide for 2025.
According to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), the incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. on May 19. Officers from both the Gros Islet and Rodney Bay Police Stations responded to the scene following reports of gunfire in the White Rock area.
First responders found Joseph suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to the Owen King European Hospital (OKEU), where a medical practitioner later pronounced him dead. A second male victim was also injured during the incident and received medical attention. His identity and condition have not been disclosed.
The RSLPF has not released details on the motive or any suspects. An investigation is now underway, and police are appealing for public assistance.
Residents with information related to the shooting are encouraged to contact the Gros Islet Police Station at 456-3830. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Crime Hotline at 555 or through the RSLPF Crime Hotline App, available on the Google Play Store.
Joseph’s killing comes amid a sharp rise in gun violence in Gros Islet, a district grappling with increasing crime in both residential and high-traffic zones. The area has remained under scrutiny as law enforcement officials contend with a growing number of firearm-related incidents.
This latest case follows closely on the heels of another fatal attack earlier this month, when Jeremiah Precius was fatally stabbed in Ti Morne, Union. That homicide, which took place on May 11, was recorded as the 26th of the year, intensifying national concern over the frequency of violent deaths.
The twin tragedies—one a stabbing, the other a shooting—underscore a widening pattern of lethal confrontations affecting communities across the island. With Monday night’s shooting now pushing the annual tally to 27, pressure continues to mount on both police leadership and government officials to address the escalating crisis.
Unitedpac St Lucia News will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide updates as they become available.
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