St Vincent: Rape accused brutally shot dead in broad daylight just days before his court hearing

As per reports, a man accused of two charges of rape was brutally killed just days before his court hearing. He was killed in Kingstown Park St Vincent and the Grenadines. The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Cassion "Cuz" Stapleton, who was unemployed.

Police officials stated that Stapleton was taking shelter at a shack near his home when some unidentified individuals shot him dead. He received various injuries to his body and was declared dead at the scene by the district medical officer.

The reason behind Stapleton's shooting death is now unknown, according to a statement released by the police on Monday. His murder comes just five days before his appearance in front of the Family Court for a preliminary investigation into accusations relating to his alleged kidnapping and rape of a 14-year-old girl in February 2021.

Stapleton was accused by police of raping a 19-year-old Ottley Hall secretary on October 18, 2018, according to the police report. He was awaiting his trial on the charge before the top court.

Police told the media that Stapleton was captured after a 14-year-old girl filed the complaint in February 21, 2021. As per police, the girl complained that he allegedly kidnapped and raped her in a house in Central Kingstown and dropped her off on a roadside in Kingstown. Following that, the girl approached a passerby for assistance and explained what had occurred. The stranger then drove the teen to the Kingstown Criminal Investigation Department, where detectives started an investigation.

The teen's distant relative Stapleton is also alleged to have implied that he intended to become pregnant and have the child.