Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

Jamaica has recorded 311 murders since the start of 2024 as of April 13, across the 19 police divisions according to the latest crime statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force. However, despite the amount of murders, this is a decrease of 14 percent compared to the same time last year.

The divisions with the highest murder counts are: St James with 41, St. Catherine South, 29; Westmoreland, 28; St. Andrew South, 25; St. Ann, 21; and Clarendon, 21. Portland has the lowest with 2 murders.

Additionally, Rapes have declined by 37 percent and break-ins by six per cent.

Meanwhile, shootings have increased by three per cent and robberies one per cent, compared to the same time last year.

#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.