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Crime

Lightbourne and Gardiner, shot to death for Murders 10 and 11 for the TCI

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – Four months into the year and just one day before the new Commissioner of Police was due to debut in the job to the Turks and Caicos, the murder tally was thrust into double digits with two killings recorded hours apart.

A Duke Street shooting took the life of Omarion Gardiner around 3 am Sunday, April 21 in Grand Turk and just over three hours earlier, a shooting in Providenciales, minutes to midnight.

As residents transitioned into the new week criminals attacked a home in the Bight slaying Anlinco John Lightbourne. Police kept it brief, omitting details of the incident in their first report, sent to the media around 4:30 a.m. but by 4 pm Sunday they had confirmed the men’s identities and that the attacks were “targeted.”

Soon after news broke of that shooting, Wilkie Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent, was in the Bight speaking to relatives of the deceased man, confirmed to be a young father.

”He’s born in 1994, same as my daughter.”  Arthur revealed, putting the young man’s age at no more than 30 years old. As for what exactly happened during that nighttime attack, relatives are trying to puzzle it out themselves.

Lightbourne was reportedly home at the time of the attack.  A loved one who was in the home described two men with handguns, one weapon described as considerably larger than the other who entered through both doors at the home, one from the front and the other from the back.

Shots were fired and Lightbourne reportedly ran in an attempt to avoid his attackers before being hit by more shots. The sound of those explosions brought other relatives running, one of whom described the scene to Magnetic Media.

No blood in the bedroom, but obviously a tussle is what the relative saw, signs of some kind of ‘trauma’ is how he described the messy bed, with sheets scattered as if someone had jumped from them quickly.

The victim didn’t even make it down the stairs of his apartment, collapsing on the porch. When Arthur arrived on the scene after daylight Sunday, bloodstains had soaked into the hardwood of the porch, alongside a plant overturned in the nighttime melee.

“I don’t like that, he ain’t deserve that,” a distressed and tearful family member said to us.

As police were processing that scene it was mirrored in Grand Turk.

Photos from the Duke Street crime scene show investigators crouching outdoors over the body of Omarion Gardiner, identifying different spent shells around the body.  Once again an ambush is suspected by residents and confirmed by police who had to search along the street to find Gardiner’s body.

Gardiner is said to be extremely young but his age remains undeclared by officers.

Investigations now continue as the country prepares to welcome the man in charge of it all, Edvin Martin, Police Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Martin who previously served in Grenada as top cop was hired following the exit of Trevor Botting, Former Police Commissioner.

The two murders marked numbers 10 and 11 for the year.

Crime

TCI Police Report a Rape Conviction, Handfield registered as SEX OFFENDER

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Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force acknowledges the sentencing of convicted rapist ELVETHAN “ALVIN” HANDFIELD to life imprisonment following his guilty plea. Handfield was charged with the following offences: Two Counts of RAPE and Two Counts of USING AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON TO CAUSE FEAR.

The Supreme Court delivered the ruling yesterday (February 6), with Handfield, 47, of Glass Shack, Providenciales, being ineligible for parole until he has served 16 years. Should parole be granted, he will be registered as a sex offender for life.

Acting Superintendent Grantley Williams, Head of Serious Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection, stated: “Following an extensive investigation by our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Handfield was charged after a report made by a female victim on April 20, 2024. The victim, after entering a jitney driven by Handfield on April 19, 2024, was taken to his residence in Glass Shack, where she was subjected to sexual assault before being released the following day.

“This heinous act of violence, where Handfield posed as a jitney driver, lured, and assaulted the victim while threatening harm, is despicable. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward, demonstrating immense courage in ensuring that this predator is brought to justice.

We recognize this is a difficult journey, and our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit officers remain available to support the healing process.

We take this opportunity to urge any victims of sexual violence to come forward. Your reports are vital in removing dangerous offenders from our streets and ensuring the safety of our communities. Our commitment to justice remains unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect and safeguard the communities.”

If you have been a victim or know anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, please get in touch with the police without delay at the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696 or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at -338-4013.

All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

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Crime

Officer Injured, Possible Suspect Rams Police Vehicle

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Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – At approximately 12:09 AM on Sunday (February 2), a team of officers patrolling Kew Town, Providenciales, observed a black Nissan Note travelling without headlights.

Officers activated their flashing lights, causing the vehicle to slow down. However, as they exited their vehicle, the Nissan Note suddenly accelerated, colliding with the police jeep and injuring an officer. As officers attempted to return to their vehicle, they heard loud explosions similar to gunfire coming from the Nissan Note. They returned fire.

Despite his injuries, the wounded officer, along with his colleagues, pursued the fleeing vehicle in a high-speed chase that concluded on Bay Road, Blue Hills.

Upon stopping, two male suspects exited the vehicle. One suspect, armed with a handgun, pointed it toward the officers while attempting to flee with his accomplice, prompting an officer to take evasive action and fire in the direction of the gunman.

The suspects managed to evade capture. The injured officer was transported for urgent medical treatment and remains stable.

Acting Commissioner Fitz Bailey stated, “I unequivocally condemn the brazen and cowardly attack on our police officers who were simply doing their duty. This violent act is not just an attack on the RT&CIPF in the lawful execution of their; it is an attack on the safety, security, and order of our communities. Our officers put their lives on the line daily, stepping into dangerous and unpredictable situations to uphold the law and protect our people. This is a high-risk job, yet these brave men and women continue to serve with unwavering dedication.

“Let this be a clear message: The RT&CIPF will not allow criminals to believe they can act with impunity. We will continue to stand firm against those who threaten the peace and security of our islands. I implore my officers to remain firm and decisive when confronted by these vicious elements in society whilst ensuring that their actions are always within the framework of the law.

“I also call on the public to recognize the sacrifices officers make every day. The risks they take are real, and they do so to keep our communities safe. Support your officers and cooperate with them”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide anonymous tips. Individuals can also use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information securely and confidentially.

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Crime

Guilty Plea from Dock Yard Man arrested for Firearm, Ammo

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Turks and Caicos, February 7, 2025 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male pleaded guilty to four charges today (January 31) following a
robbery which occurred in 2024. JAMES SIMON is expected to be sentenced on April 03rd, 2025, having been convicted for the following offences:

  • One Count Possession of Firearm
  •  One Count Possession of Ammunition
  • One Count Robbery
  • One Count using a Firearm in the Commission of a Serious Offence

Based on the evidence presented before the court, Mr. Simon was arrested on May 02, 2024, along South Dock Road, where he was found with an illegal firearm.

Acting Superintendent in charge of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Grantley Williams said, “Given the prevalence of firearm-related incidents, the Force has successfully removed one more illegal firearm from our streets. I applaud my officers for their vigilance and
dedication to their duty. I urge the public to assist us by reporting illegal firearms—if you have any information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or you can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app. Together, we can make the Turks and Caicos Islands safer.”

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