Crime
Man gunned down near school is 27 year old TCI-Bahamian
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.
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – The recent aggravated robbery targeting a five-member household is undoubtedly distressing for both the victims and the community at large.
Superintendent (Division A) Willet Harvey said, “Around 11:21 pm yesterday (April 14th) evening, the Police Control Room received a report that four masked males, three of whom were armed, entered a residence at New Subdivision, Grand Turk, and proceeded to rob the occupants.
The armed suspects managed to flee the scene on foot and escaped.
“Following the report, officers were dispatched to the scene, conducted extensive searches and interviewed individuals. Based on the information received, we are actively pursuing several leads that will lead to arrests in the shortest possible time.
“The incident highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and proactively safeguarding homes and families. I advise people to enhance their home security by locking doors and windows when inside, investing in a CCTV system, and ensuring adequate outdoor lighting. Should you have any information on this burglary or illegal activities in Grand Turk, please call 946-2299. ”
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information.
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TrinidadandTobago, April 15, 2024 – Heinous crimes continue to plague the Caribbean region, the latest the beheading of a four year old girl in Trinidad on Tuesday April 9, leaving a deep sense of shock and sadness over her town, Fifth Street, Five Rivers, Arouca in the East-West Corridor of Trinidad and Tobago.
The little girl whose life was severely cut short is identified as Amarah Lallitte and her killer is reportedly her step-father.
Reports are saying he killed her between 10 pm Monday and Midnight Tuesday. Her mother Tricia Villaruel, 41, who filed a domestic disturbance report, expressed deep grief and disbelief at the fact that the stepfather, 39, would hurt her.
Villaruel reports the events before her daughter was killed. She recalls the stepfather acting strange which she said is unlike him. She
expressed that he was acting like he was schizophrenic, as if “he was a different person, and different personalities were talking to me that night.”
She said she left to get help from the police out of fear that he would harm her and going she tried to bring Amarah, who she highlights wasn’t coming.
“but she not coming. She was laughing like she thought we were playing so I had no choice.”
Following the mother’s report to the police, they went back to the house to find it locked up and in darkness. The officers called for the stepfather who came out calm with no blood on him. Villaruel was then told to get her daughter. It was at this time that she was found dead by her mother who screamed at the sight of her daughter’s headless body.
Her head was reportedly stashed in a barrel at the back of the house and her body in another room.
At the sight of the decapitated four year old, some officers were moved to tears according to Richard Smith, Senior Superintendent of Police, in reports.
In fact he says they may need counseling from the Victim and Support Unit and they were deeply affected, as would any human being.
The suspect was arrested and taken to the station for questioning.
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