70-year-old Restaurateur St. Lucia’s 38th homicide victim for the year

Compassionate, friendly and never without a smile. That’s how the Association of Independent Restaurants remembers 70-year-old Renato Venturi, St. Lucia’s 38th homicide victim for the year. At a press briefing on Monday morning, Superintendent George Nicholas of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) disclosed that on October 10, police responded to an incident at Belma Lane, Morne Fortune. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of the businessman, with an apparent injury to the head.

“He was pronounced dead on the scene by a medical practitioner,” Nicholas stated. “His wife also sustained injuries from a known assailant. She is currently admitted at the hospital.” The Superintendent stated that based on information obtained, the RSLPF cannot classify the incident as a burglary, and no arrests have been made. “What we can say is that the suspect is known to the victims. As we speak, there is a manhunt in relation to this suspect and we have been pursuing him from the date of the incident,” he said.

A post mortem examination was conducted on the deceased today. The cause of death: Subdural hematoma, secondary to multiple skull fractures due to blunt force trauma to the head.

The Association of Independent Restaurants bid farewell to their colleague in a statement on Monday. “On behalf of the membership we would like to extend our sincere condolences and commiserations to family and friends on the shocking and untimely death of Renato Venturi. Renato was a friend to nearly all members of the restaurant sector of St. Lucia and had been one of the longest continual operators on island,” the organisation said.

“He was known to be compassionate, friendly and always smiling and knew everyone from the poor man in the street to the Prime Minister. He will be greatly missed by all he knew or touched in some way. His memories will live on in all our hearts and kitchens. Rest in peace Renato.”