Two men were shot dead in separate Castries communities on Sunday, less than 24 hours apart prompting investigations by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Major Crimes Unit.
The victims have been identified as 25-year-old Jamal Thomas of Belair and 56-year-old John Ferdinand, also known as “John Slade,” of Ravine Chabot. Both men were found with apparent gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the respective scenes.
The first killing was reported shortly after midnight on Sunday, August 16.
According to police, officers attached to the Marigot Police Station responded to a report of a shooting at Belair, Castries, at approximately 12:39 a.m. When officers arrived, they discovered Thomas lying lifeless along a concrete road with apparent gunshot wounds about his body. A medical practitioner later pronounced him dead at the scene. Hours later, police were called to another deadly shooting, this time at Ravine Chabot.
At approximately 11:10 p.m., officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department responded to the community, where Ferdinand was discovered in a heavily vegetated area with apparent gunshot wounds. He was also pronounced dead at the scene by a medical practitioner.
Police have not indicated whether the two killings are connected, and no information has been released on a possible motive or suspects in either case. Investigations into both homicides remain ongoing.
The RSLPF is appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist investigators to contact the Crimes Unit at 456-3754. Information can also be provided anonymously through the Crime Hotline at 555 or via the Crime Hotline App.
