St Kitts and Nevis: Brother charged with Leanna Napoleon murder - reports

The older brother of murdered teen Leanna Napoleon has been charged with her murder, according to reports in St Kitts and Nevis.

WIC News has reached out to the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force for more information.

The 17-year-old went missing on 8 May shortly after sitting an exam and her lifeless body was found on Wednesday night in the Olivees area.

Winn FM has named the brother as Brandon Lee Wells, said to be in his early 20s.

Wells had been questions by authorities a number of times during the investigation.

Police confirmed soon after the discovery of the Basseterre High School, who lived in Keys Village, that one person was in custody.

But no other information – including how Leanna died, or what took police to the shallow grave last week – has been revealed.

Leanna is St Kitts and Nevis’ 15th reported murder victim of 2017 – and the third female.

‘Nation’s loss’

Information passed to WIC News late last week indicates that she was “wrapped and partly decomposed” – leading investigators to believe that she was held captive during her time missing.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris expressed his sadness at the news.

“The loss of Leanna is her family’s loss, and it is also the nation’s loss. The death of a young person, in particular, is most significant and traumatic,” he said.

“Our young people represent the future of this country and when their lives are cut short, their potential remains under-developed and untapped, much to the detriment of our country.”

Harris also extended his condolences to Leanna’s family, classmates and teachers, and thanked all those who had contributed to the “aggressive searches” for her.

Leader of the opposition and former prime minister Denzil Douglas, explained to the WIC News editor that news confirming Leanna’s death was relayed to him during a debate in parliament.

“It has been a very, very sad day for us in St Kitts and Nevis,” he said.

“[The discovery] has brought to an end six weeks of agony and pain, not only for the adopted parents, family members and friends of Leanna, but to a large extent for all of the people of St Kitts and Nevis.”

Ian M Queeley, commissioner of police, said: “This is not the outcome we were hoping for, our hearts go out to the family and friends of Leanna Napoleon.”