St Lucia recorded its highest number of murders in its existence last year with 48 homicides including four police shootings. The figure has alarmed many with various stakeholders having their say on how to curb the crime situation.
The year is barely into its second week when murder number two struck. Police are currently investigating the shooting death of 33-year-old Junior Chris Jean Paul alias Kelly of Morne-Du-Don, Castries. Jean Paul was shot near his home about 10pm on Saturday January 8.
Police reports indicate that on the aforesaid day, Jean Paul was near his Morne-Du-Don home when two men approached him and shot him multiple times about the body. He was taken to the Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The police have made no arrests in this latest incident and they have yet to establish a motive for the killing.
Jean Paul was a sub-contractor with the Government of St Lucia in the field of Construction.
One source close to him told the STAR they spoke to Jean Paul minutes prior to his death.
Said the source, “Kelly had just got home. He was behind the Morne Du Don school taking a drink. He wasn’t a heavy drinker. I spoke to him then I left him and before I could reach my home I heard the gun shots.”
Another source told the STAR this was not a random incident. Jean Paul is described as a peaceful, hardworking and caring man.
Reports reaching the STAR are that early last year, Jean Paul’s two door L200 van was burnt with a sand bomb because of an associate’s alleged altercation with a man from another area.
Sources believe Jean Paul’s death could be related to a grudge held against one or some of his associates because earlier that day, a vehicle with men were in the neighbourhood.
On Monday January 10 a post mortem was performed Jean Paul’s body. The result indicated he died from hemorrhagic shock secondary to gunshot wounds.
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