By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Team
#TurksandCaicos, September 18, 2022 – There have been no arrests, no leads reports in the heinous killing of 27-year-old Ellington Been Jr, murdered early September 8, mere days after a double, double homicide in Providenciales.
Been was the fifth murder in under a week.
Residents reported hearing a series of shots fired in the down town area; others shared that the swarm of police near the Blue Hills round about early that morning was indication that something very serious had happened.
Later, we would learn of the murder of young Been; shot in the head and left in a pool of his own blood.
The killing came two days after Premier Washington Misick lamented the constant ‘execution style’ killings of our young men.
Our newsroom was told has been told that this time the murder happened near the vicinity of a school. The victim, according to police, was found near Leisure Hotel which is close to Shining Stars Preparatory school in Providenciales.
During the early hours of yesterday morning, I visited the scene of the most recent murder on the Turks and Caicos Islands. A 27-year-old man, who has been identified as Ellington Been was shot dead outside his home on Academy Way Providenciales. It is believed that Mr. Been was killed by three men who shot him multiple times in a cowardly and savage manner. It is clear that high powered assault firearms were used in this attack. An attack that we believe is connected to the ongoing violence in Five Cays.
Having spoken with Mr. Been’s family at the scene, I witnessed firsthand the utter devastation, grief, anguish and turmoil that this violence is causing and the despair at losing another young man’s life in such a terrible way.
I believe this most recent murder is fueled by revenge and retribution, a cycle of killing that needs to stop before more families are left in life long grief.
To this end, I am appealing for calm and restraint from those involved; I am appealing to the friends and families of the young men involved to do all you can to persuade them to step back from these illegal activities that have led to violence; violence that will perpetuate more killing and heartache,” said Trevor Botting, Commissioner of Police.
The islands are on edge, unable to relax or mourn in peace as the violence ramps up instead of dying down.
Frustration and fear are constant companions residents have told Magnetic Media. Some have temporarily left their homes behind, electing to take their children and sleep with friends or relatives outside of the community. Others are desperate but have no place to go.