Police Commissioner Updates on Murder Investigation of Justin Cox-Beckles

#TurksandCaicos, August 5, 2022 – In the early hours of Sunday 24th July 2022, 22-year-old Justin Cox Beckles was shot and killed at Rock Plaza, Blue Hills, Providenciales. Justin’s murder was a senseless act of violence that has taken a young life and ripped apart the lives of family, friends and a community. It’s clear that people are struggling to comprehend the taking of a life in such a terrible and cowardly act and we should all be shocked and saddened by this murder. The carrying of guns and acts of violence such as this, have no place in the communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands and whilst my officers are working hard to bring people to justice, people within the local community have a civic and moral obligation to assist where they can.

To simply sit back and believe it is for the Police to deal with is abdicating your responsibilities within a civilized Christian society. It was Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said, ‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor’. When young men are being killed on our streets, when young men are carrying guns and carrying out acts of mindless violence, it is not the time to stay neutral, it is the time to speak out, condemn and work together to rid the scourge of gun crime, violence and murder from the TCI. Staying silent when you can help stop the violence is taking the side of the oppressor, of the very people who are killing our young people. If you know something, say something, do not stay silent, do not stay neutral and do not choose the side of those despicable criminals carrying out these acts.

To the members of the community who are supporting us with information on this investigation and others, I thank you for telling us what you know. However, in this investigation we believe there are a number of people who have key information, including, we believe people who witnessed the murder of Justin. I am speaking to those persons directly and I implore you to come forward and tell us what you know. Do the right thing, do the Christian thing in bringing to justice the person who killed an innocent man.

 My officers need your help, but by way of an update I can tell you the following;

One man, Brian Francis, has been arrested for murder and remains in custody for the murder of Justin with an additional seven days’ custody being granted by a Judge. To date, no charges have been brought. One other person has also been interviewed in connection with this enquiry. This enquiry remains ongoing and fast paced as we work to bring those responsible to justice. I am again asking anyone with any information and especially those who have direct knowledge and potential evidence, to do the right thing, contact my officers and tell them what you know. It is your civil, moral and Christian responsibility.

Finally, let me remind you that a young man, Justin Cox Beckles lost his life in a senseless and abhorrent act of violence. Our condolences are sent to the family and friends of Justin and they remain in our thoughts and prayers.