Police Commissioner reports on Festival Village Murder and crime wave
FESTIVAL VILLAGE MURDER
22-year old Leon Queely has been remanded in custody at Her Majesty's Prison for the murder of 19-year old Nicholas Hodge of Carrot Bay. Queely, a native of St. Kitts and resident of the BVI, appeared before the Magistrate's Court on a charge of murder, following Hodge's death. A report of the incident was first made to the Road Town Police Station at about 2:50 a.m. on August 4th, after Hodge was reportedly wounded in his head with a cutlass at the festival Village. Upon receiving the report, Police investigators rushed to the scene and Hodge was quickly taken to Peebles Hospital, before being transferred to a hospital in Puerto Rico for further treatment. Hodge later died in Puerto Rico, on Tuesday August 8th. On his appearance before the Magistrate's Court on August 11th, Leon Queely was remanded in custody until a later date.
BOAT ACCIDENT
On Friday August 4th, at about midnight, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force received a distress call stating that a 315-cargo vessel, named "Marina" was sinking 12 nautical miles off Round Rock, while on its way from Tortola to St. Maarten. It was said to have 14 persons on board. The Police Marine Wing responded to this report and rescued all 14 persons from the sinking vessel, which was carrying cement and other similar cargo. However, Police were able to conduct a quick search before the boat finally sank, but nothing suspicious was found. "These Police Officers from the Marine Wing braved the high seas and high winds in pitch dark conditions, to save the lives of the 14 persons on board and they are to be commended for their bravery," said Commissioner Malone. He said the Officers have been cited for a Commissioner's commendation during the next Police Week ceremony.
ROBBERY
On July 16th, at 9:45 p.m., Road Town Police received a report of a robbery that took place at the home of a retired couple, Reginald and Meg Langtry of Brewer's Bay, Tortola. He reported that while he and his wife were at home, a man held them both at gunpoint and demanded money, according to a Police statement. The accounts state that the intruder then tied up and left with Mrs. Langtry in the couple's private vehicle. Mr. Langtry managed to escape and called the Police. Police personnel from the Beat and Patrol task force, CID and other units, along with senior Officers, responded to the report immediately. Approximately 10:11 p.m. on the same day, Mrs. Langtry, after being held captive and taken to Road Town, where she was further robbed of $300 in cash from an ATM machine, met a Police Officer and a second report was made to the Police. A Special Investigations Unit was established and deployed to conduct a full-scale investigation into this matter. A large number of persons were interviewed and numerous statements recorded. The Langtry's were taken to Peebles Hospital for a check-up. At the completion of the investigation on August 1st, Police investigators arrested 23-year old Evans Joseph of St. Thomas, USVI and formally charged him with aggravated robbery, abduction, robbery, indecent assault, two counts of common assault, criminal trespass, criminal damage, being armed with an offensive weapon and unlawful possession of cannabis. He was subsequently remanded at Her Majesty's Prison, where he is now being held pending a court hearing. Police Commissioner Malone said Police have recovered well over $10,000 worth of jewelry and other items stolen from the Langtry's.
BOAT OWNER REMANDED ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES
On Wednesday July 26th, Police Detectives of the Drug Unit formally arrested part-owner of motor vessel Elita II, Ms. Cynthia Williams and crew member Montgomery Jackson, on several drug-related charges. Ms. Williams was charged with importation of cannabis, unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to supply and unlawful possession of cannabis. Mr. Jackson was similarly charged with importation of cannabis and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Both offenders were arrested during a joint Police operation by detectives of the Drugs Squad and officers of the Customs Task Force. A total of 22.25 lbs of cannabis and 4.4 kilograms of cannabis were found aboard the said vessel. They appeared before the Court to answer the charges. After hearing the charges read, Ms. Williams pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody, while Jackson pleaded guilty to both his charges and was sentenced to a term of 3 years in prison, to run concurrently.
FEMALE VISITOR SENTENCED ON OUTSTANDING DRUG CHARGES
On Friday July 27th, Kathleen Neverson of St. Vincent and the Grenadines re-appeared before the Magistrate's Court on charges of importation of cannabis and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to supply and was found guilty on both charges. She was formally arrested on February 27th, sometime after she arrived in the territory at Beef Island Airport, where a large quantity of cannabis was found in a suitcase. Police investigators conducted a full-scale investigation into the matter and a baggage tag connected to the said baggage with drugs, found at the airport, was found at a home in East End where Kathleen allegedly was staying. After hearing the facts of the case as presented by the Police Court Prosecutor, the Magistrate sentenced Ms. Neverson to a term of 3 years imprisonment.