Turks and Caicos, October 18, 2024 – Five homicides were reported this month in the Turks and Caicos Islands; two of them, stemming from deadly shootings in late September; three others happening between October 9-15.

On Tuesday October 1, Royal TCI Police confirmed the murder of one of the country’s ‘Most Wanted’ men.  Gunned down and body gruesomely chopped, was Jouvly Inelus who was found in a pool of blood in Blue Hills the day before.

“At around 11:12 p.m., officers received information and proceeded to a bushy area in Miracle Close, Blue Hills. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of a male dressed in a black jersey and black basketball pants with what appeared to be gunshot and other injuries.

Mr. Inelus had been evading the police for the past three months.”

On the same day, it was reported by Eagle Legal News Media and then confirmed by TCI Police that one of two men shot in an apparent targeted attack in Snake Hill on September 27 had died in hospital abroad.

“Blue Hills resident FRANCIUS PIERRE, has succumbed to gunshot injuries. Pierre, 41, was shot on September 27 while at a location at Stammers Run, Snake Hill. The Police Control Room had received calls indicating gunshots were heard at around 8:35 pm. Police and medical personnel arrived and found two males, Mr. Pierre and Paulcius Louites Vereus. Mr Vereus was unresponsive,” said the official police report.

The two homicide reports at the start of October brought the country’s murder count to 36, topping the deadliest year on record in 2022 where 34 people (including an unborn child) was murdered.

A week long break from violent killings crumbled, when in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday October 9, police were summoned to the Bight in Providenciales where residents reported hearing “multiple gun shots.”

A man was found dead and later identified as Lewis Francis Jr.  A second man was struck in the same attack and was taken to hospital where he was held for treatment of gunshot wound.

Eagle Legal News Media learned, “on the night of the killing and attempted murder of another in the Bight, we counted 40 yellow and black police evidence ‘spent shells’ markings.

His body laid face up, his hat dropped where he was sitting along with the other gunshot victim.”

It was shared with the investigative journalist that a lone gunman walked up to the pair and opened fire.

“Lewis Francis Jr tried to get up and run but instantly collapsed.  The shooter emptied a magazine on the fallen man and changed the magazine to a much longer one and continued shooting,” said Wilkie Arthur in his reporting on the incident.

TCI Police said:  “Shortly after midnight today (October 9), a call was made to the Police Control Room indicating there was a shooting at a location in Lower Bight, Providenciales.

A team of officers and medical personnel were dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, officers observed an unresponsive male clad in a black T-shirt, a pair of black jeans and a pair of black boots. The deceased has been identified as Lewis Francis Jr, 36.

The RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr. Francis’ relatives.

At around 1:27 am, officers were alerted to a male with gunshot wounds found at a residence in The Bight. Based on preliminary investigations, this stemmed from the initial incident. Officers responded and rushed the 38-year-old victim to a medical facility for treatment.”

Francis Jr was the country’s 37^th murder for 2024.

Thirty-two hours later, on Thursday October 10 the murder count would climb some more.

“Whilst in the middle of one of those (power company) blackouts, residents all across Five Cays heard a number of loud gunshots from what sounded like two of three different firearms, according to those that heard it and reported to Police,” informed Arthur of Eagle Legal News Media.

Evanson Walkin, aka Archie or Bonka, aged 28 years old was discovered dead.

It was another killing that raised eyebrows. Despite the criminal history of Walkin, it was shared by those close to the young man that he was now living an honest life.

“He worked very hard on the waters in watersports and on boats.  He has his shortcomings but was a very nice little fella who was loved by many tourists.

He has one little girl.”

Six days later, residents would be horrified by yet another shooting.  This one in broad daylight in full view of the area primary school.

The Ministry of Education, issued a statement, which said in full:  “The Ministry of Education is deeply saddened to confirm that a shooting incident occurred near the Enid Capron Primary School on October 15, 2024.  The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority as we navigate this distressing situation.

At approximately 10:00 AM, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the school. Though no students or staff members were harmed, the incident has understandably caused significant concern within our community.

In response, the Ministry of Education is taking immediate and proactive steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff:

1. Increased Security Presence: We have coordinated with local law enforcement to bolster security on and around school grounds. Police officers and security officers will be present throughout the week to provide reassurance and support.
2. Communication with Parents and Guardians: We are committed to keeping our community informed. We have sent out a message to all parents and guardians outlining the event, our response, and resources available for support. Our communication lines remain open for any questions or concerns.
3. Crisis Counseling Services: Our counseling teams led by the school’s Guidance Counsellors is prepared to provide emotional support to students and staff. Additionally, our Student Support Services will be available for all students and staff during and after this difficult time.
4. Safety Drills and Training: The school’s Critical Incident Management plan has been activated to respond to an active shooter scenario, the Enid Capron Primary School will be reviewing its safety protocols and will conduct additional training for staff and students to ensure preparedness for any future incidents.
5. The Social Enrichment Academic Afterschool Programme (SEAP) was postponed on Tuesday 15^thbut will resume today October 16, 2024.

“We are heartbroken by today’s events and extend our thoughts to those affected by the incident,” said Honourable Rachel Taylor, the Minister of Education. “Our focus remains on providing a safe environment for our students and staff, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure this.

As the situation develops, the Ministry of Education will provide updates through official channels.”

Eagle Legal News Media said residents found the body first and that it took some time before Police took control of the scene of the crime.

“We then headed out to Five Cays, and not much police were there, but the Commissioner of Police was directing the traffic to turn around as the street had become a crime scene.  Persons couldn’t walk, nor vehicles couldn’t drive in that direction any longer.”

Teachers, school staff and students were terrified, said Arthur.

We soon learned that the man shot and left bleeding out in a puddle of water was, Dorlens Zamor, a 33 year old resident of Five Cays.

Zamor was murder No. 39 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.