Kingstown, St Vincent — A wave of shock and grief has gripped St Vincent and the Grenadines following a grisly triple homicide that occurred on the evening of Friday, May 16, 2025, in the community of Belmont. The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has since launched an urgent and wide-reaching investigation into what officials have described as a “disturbing and unprecedented attack on public safety.”
The incident unfolded when masked assailants stormed a local shop owned by Leslie Davis and indiscriminately opened fire on patrons. Three individuals were killed on the spot, while two others — including a seven-year-old student — sustained gunshot injuries. One victim has been discharged from the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, while the other remains hospitalized.
Speaking during a press briefing held at Police Headquarters on Saturday May 17th, Deputy Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph extended condolences to the victims’ families and communities. “Our hearts are heavy. We understand the fear this has triggered, not just in Belmont, but across the nation. This act of violence is being treated with the highest level of urgency and seriousness,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey, who has been tasked with leading the investigation, confirmed that senior officers from the South Central Division and the Major Crimes Unit are actively pursuing multiple leads. “We have received over 60 calls related to this incident alone,” Bailey stated. “A team of at least 15 officers are out in the field right now, combing through information, collecting evidence, and connecting the dots.”
While police have yet to establish a definitive motive, early indicators suggest the attack may not have been a robbery. “We are not ruling anything out,” said Bailey. “However, based on what we’ve seen so far, this does not appear to be a robbery gone wrong.”
The press conference also addressed a spate of violent crimes in recent days, including the fatal shooting of Stephen King in Green Hill on May 13, and the chopping death of Ronaldo Adams in Glen on May 15. In the latter case, police have charged 21-year-old Andrew McDonald with Adams’ murder. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over fruit.
ACP Bailey urged residents not to take the law into their own hands in the wake of these killings. “We understand your pain, but vigilante justice will only cause further harm. The police are the legitimate force mandated to investigate and prosecute crimes. Help us by channeling information through the appropriate avenues,” he appealed.
Questions from the media raised concerns over the safety of small business owners and the general public, particularly in light of the recent killings which have predominantly targeted local shopkeepers and traders. While acknowledging the fear and unease, police urged community members to remain vigilant and report any threats or suspicious behavior. “We can’t be everywhere at once,” said Bailey, “but if people come forward early, we can intervene and possibly prevent further loss of life.”
Police officials also addressed resource constraints, acknowledging that major crimes are stretching their human capital. Nonetheless, they praised the dedication of the force and confirmed that internal training programs are underway to ensure continued investigative efficiency.
As the investigation continues, the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has pledged transparency and diligence in bringing the perpetrators to justice. They are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact the police or speak confidentially with an officer they trust.
For now, the nation remains on edge, but police officials remain resolute in their call for unity, cooperation, and peace.
