Saint Lucia: Man gunned down in Vieux Fort shooting

A tragic shooting incident led to the death of a young man from Mon Repos, Micoud. The victim was identified as Charles Victor, who was shot dead on Sunday.

According to the preliminary reports by the police officials they received a call around 9:30 pm, the Vieux Fort Police Station about a shooting occurring at Westhall Group, Vieux-Fort.

The residents of the southern town experienced a barrage of intermittent automatic gunfire, which went on for around 45 minutes. It is not yet clear how many armed assailants came to shoot Charles Victor.

Following the report, the police officials reached the site and found a man lying motionless with several wounds to his torso.

The reports also added that a woman in her 50s was also injured during the incident and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she is receiving treatment for her injuries. Police officials suspect a personal motive behind this shooting, which is why the victim was shot multiple times.

This was the first murder of 2024 registered in Vieux Fort, while it is the island's 8th till date for the month of January. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has launched an investigation into the incident and is trying to find the motive behind the brutal shooting.

The officials also urged the general public to contact the Vieux-Fort Police Station at 285-7258 or the Criminal Investigations Department at 456-3770 if they have any information about the incident.

Witnessing the homicide figures for 2024, Commissioner of Police Crusita Descartes Pelius, called it 'senseless' and assured that the officials are working hard to strengthen the security measures on the island. She also said that several operations have also been conducted across the island which resulted in the arrest of many suspects who were found to be involved in illegal activities.

While addressing the criminals on the island, she said that any illegal activity would not be tolerated, and once caught, the culprits would be charged with strict punishments.