ROYAL SAINT LUCIA POLICE LAUNCH ISLAND-WIDE PROBE
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is managing a surge of major incidents that occurred over the Thanksgiving weekend, including two separate homicides, a police-involved shooting, a major road collision, and a successful firearm recovery. The cluster of serious events stretched police resources across the island’s Northern and Eastern divisions, prompting multiple active investigations by the Major Crimes Unit.
The weekend’s violence began in the pre-dawn hours of October 4 with a fatal shooting in the Eastern division. At approximately 2:45 a.m., police responded to reports of gunfire in Trou A’Leau, Dennery, where they discovered the body of 24-year-old Jay Collymore of Over-the-Bridge. Collymore was found lying in a drain with apparent gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident is now the focus of a homicide investigation, with a post-mortem examination scheduled to confirm the cause of death.
The second homicide was reported on the morning of October 5 in the Northern division. Police were called to Morne Serpent, Gros Islet, around 8:10 a.m., where they found 35-year-old Neil Peter on a concrete pavement, also suffering from fatal gunshot injuries. Like the first victim, Peter was pronounced dead at the scene. The Major Crimes Unit has taken control of both cases as they work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the weekend’s two fatal incidents.
Beyond the homicides, the police recorded a major road traffic accident and an incident involving a police firearm discharge. On October 4, at about 6:00 a.m., a severe collision involving an SUV and a 15-seater public service minibus occurred along Fregate Road, Dennery. Several people were injured and required emergency transport to St. Jude Hospital, though authorities confirmed there were no fatalities. In a separate incident that afternoon in Babonneau, officers encountered an outpatient of the Mental Wellness Centre. Police state that during an attempt to restrain the man, a firearm was discharged, resulting in a non-fatal injury. The man is stable at OKEU Hospital, and the incident is under review.
In a proactive measure, a joint police operation focused on robbery and theft suspects in the Gros Islet and Rodney Bay areas led to a key arrest and firearm recovery. Police apprehended 36-year-old Jamaican national Jemeil Junior Simpson, a resident of Dauphin Street, Gros Islet, who was allegedly found with a .380 Glock 25 pistol and two rounds of ammunition. Simpson was formally charged on October 6 for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license and is slated to appear before the First District Court for arraignment.
Following the turbulent holiday period, the RSLPF released an official statement reaffirming its dedication to public safety. “The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors,” the release stated, urging citizens to assist ongoing investigations by submitting anonymous tips through the Crime Hotline (555) or the Crime Hotline App. The RSLPF also reiterated its appeal to motorists to exercise maximum caution and patience on the nation’s roads, particularly during major holidays.