CASTRIES, St Lucia — Teen found dead in Barre Denis identified as 19-year-old Ziquan Hippolyte after family members confirmed his identity on Friday, hours after police responded to the discovery of a body in the south Castries community.
The case was initially reported as an active investigation after officers arrived early Friday morning following reports of a body found in the area. The incident was first covered as a Barre Du Chaussee death under investigation, before the victim’s identity became known.
Officers attached to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force secured the scene and began processing what was described as an active and developing investigation. Authorities said efforts were underway to formally identify the deceased and notify relatives.
Residents in the area later reported hearing gunshots around 8 p.m. Thursday, several hours before the body was discovered near a residence and a preschool. The body appeared to bear a gunshot wound to the head, though police have not officially confirmed the cause of death.
Investigation into Teen found dead in Barre Denis continues
One woman recounted that her grandson made the discovery while walking to school Friday morning.
“This morning, I was preparing breakfast for my husband when my grandson passed by me before going to school. When he came, he told me, ‘Mama, look, you have a dead body by the house,” she said.
She said she questioned him further before stepping outside to verify what he had seen.
“When I looked and saw the body, I started to scream and called the teachers at the pre-school, who came. They were the ones who called the police.”
Law enforcement personnel remained at the location for several hours, gathering evidence and conducting preliminary inquiries.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not publicly confirmed the official cause of death or announced any arrests. Officials have also not stated whether foul play is formally suspected.
The incident has unsettled residents in south Castries, particularly given the proximity of the discovery to a pre-school.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the nearest station as investigations continue.
