MURDERS INVESTIGATED–

Police focus on Serrano and Penn cases

 Police continue to aggressively investigate the Kendoy Penn case and urge the public to bring forth any information about specific incidences.

According to the Police Information Office, Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Francisco Ladron of Puerto Rico, performed Penn’s autopsy on Tuesday.  The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.  The manner of death is homicide.

In addition, the Ag. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Reynell Frazer and the Special Investigations Team assigned to Penn’s case are urging the public to come forward with specific information about a dark coloured vehicle which was seen around the time of the shooting in the areas of The Narrows, Old Plantation, heading towards the East End Community Centre.  In addition, Police would like a male to come forward who was observed near the said Community Centre walking near the car park around the time of the fatal shooting.

Police have stressed that the occupants of the said vehicle and the male walking near the car park have not been identified as suspects, however, these individuals may hold vital information that may assist them in the investigation.

Ag. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Reynell Frazer continues to urge the public to co-operate with Police with this incident and the robbery case, where Rolland Serrano was shot in Sea Cow’s Bay, stating that no matter how miniscule information may seem, persons are still urged to give any information whether it seems relevant or not.

AUTOPSIES PERFORMED

According to police sources, on Tuesday autopsies were performed on the bodies of 43-year-old James ‘Brods’ Bolan of Nevis and 41-year-old Toolsiedea Sharon Tittle, a native of Guyana with Antiguan citizenship.

Police reports indicate that the Government Pathologist, Doctor Alfred Braithwaite, performed an autopsy on the said bodies.  According to the Police Information Office, the cause of Bolan’s death was reported as drowning and Tittle’s death was reported as multiple stab wounds and trauma to the head. 

From the results, Ag. Commissioner, Mr. Reynell Frazer is now confirming that the first homicide recorded for the year is that of Tittle.  In addition, Mr. Frazer maintains that both deaths (Bolan and Tittle) are related. 

Bolan’s body was discovered on September 17^th, approximately 11:30 a.m. It was floating in the water between the cruise ship dock and the Village Cay Marina.  A cord was tied around the right ankle and right wrist, with a six-inch concrete block attached to the cord closer to the wrist.  Bolan was a long time resident of the BVI.         

Tittle’s body was discovered on September 18th, around 2:30 p.m. in a home at Long Bush.  Tittle had been residing in the B.V.I. over five years.

On September 18th, approximately 1:03 a.m. Police responded to a report at the residence of 30-year-old Mr. Kendoy Penn at Old Plantation where shots were fired. On arrival, Penn was found in his vehicle with gunshots wounds to his head and upper portion of his body.  Mr. Penn was rushed to Peebles Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning 22 September.  Mr. Penn was a Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers.    

Police are now being assisted by Overseas Law Enforcement Agencies.  In an internal meeting this morning, Mr. Frazer stated that the RVIPF remains vigilant in investigating the shooting of Mr. Kendoy Penn.  He continues to urge the community to assist Local and Foreign Police Officers in their efforts to solve this crime by relating any pertinent information.

CHIEF MINISTER SADDENED BY THE DEATH OF KENDOY PENN

Chief Minister, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has expressed sadness over the death of Crown Counsel, Mr. Kendoy Penn.

The Chief Minister said he admired Mr. Penn’s enthusiasm and commitment to the legal profession in helping Government to prosecute major cases.  The Chief Minister said Mr. Penn was a model public servant who embraced professionalism and excellence while serving the public. “The senseless crime, which claimed Penn’s life, has not only affected his family but indeed the entire Territory”, he added. The Chief Minister asked the public to keep the family in their prayers during their time of bereavement. 

In a statement to the Territory on 21 September the Chief Minister promised that the recent wave of violent crime that stunned and saddened the Territory would be met by a vigorous response. The Chief Minister also announced a 7-Point Action Plan in response to the recent tragedies. Among other things, the Government has initiated action to get immediate external assistance for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to develop plans to intensify investigations into the recent series of gun-related crimes in the Territory.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO KENDOY PENN

Deputy Governor Mrs. Dancia Penn, Q.C., today paid tribute to Mr. Kendoy Penn in a message to public servants. The Deputy Governor said Mr. Penn was a rising star within the public service. “He believed in making a contribution to his beloved Territory and his days with us, although short, were very memorable,” she said. “He was respected and admired by his peers.”

“Kendoy is a shining example of one who recognised opportunities to move up the ranks in the public service,” the Deputy Governor said. “He was a dedicated and committed public servant who unfortunately did not have time to blossom into the prosecutor he was destined to become.”