New details emerge in Saint Lucia shooting update
Castries, St Lucia — Saint Lucia’s 45th Independence celebration took a tragic turn as gun violence claimed three lives and left four others injured on Thursday, February 22, 2024. For the second consecutive year, the island’s Independence festivities have been overshadowed by bloodshed, raising concerns over public safety. Last year, five lives were lost in a similar wave of violence. This year’s death toll reached three, with multiple shootings sending shockwaves across the island.
Deadly Shooting in Vieux-Fort Leaves Two Dead, Four Injured
At approximately 7:50 p.m., officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department in Vieux-Fort responded to reports of gunfire in a concrete alley between George Shine Drive and Roots Alley. The incident turned deadly as 23-year-old Quincy Mathurin, alias “One Shot,” of Cedar Heights, and Edley Celise of Martin Luther King Street, Vieux-Fort, were fatally shot.
Residents described the scene as “frightening,” with one eyewitness likening the barrage of automatic gunfire to a “war zone.” In addition to the two fatalities, police confirmed that four individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their current conditions remain unknown, leaving the community on edge as authorities investigate the brazen attack.
Fatal Shooting in Dennery Valley Claims Third Victim
The violence did not end in Vieux-Fort. At around 9:50 p.m., officers from the Richfond Police Station responded to reports of a shooting in Richfond. The body of 47-year-old Baune Dumar of Grand Ravine, Dennery, was discovered unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel shortly after.
Baune Dumar’s murder brings the Independence Day death toll to three, casting a grim shadow over what should have been a day of national pride and unity.
Independence Marred by Violence for the Second Year
This year’s violence echoes the events of 2023, where five homicides marred the island’s Independence celebrations. The repeated bloodshed has heightened public concern over crime and safety, with many calling for stronger measures to curb gun violence in Saint Lucia.
Authorities have yet to release further details on the shootings, and investigations are ongoing. The incidents have reignited discussions about the government’s ability to address the escalating crime rate and ensure public safety during national celebrations.
A Nation in Mourning
The tragic events of February 22nd have left Saint Lucia in mourning as families and communities grapple with the loss of loved ones. The 45th anniversary of Independence, meant to be a day of celebration and unity, has instead become a reminder of the growing crime crisis on the island.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. For additional information, follow our coverage on Unitedpac St Lucia News as we bring you the latest news on crime and public safety in Saint Lucia.
