By Lesroy W. Williams

Observer Reporter

(Basseterre, St. Kitts)—Another man was murdered lamentably in St. Kitts last weekend pushing the murder count to eight for 2009.

The Police are investigating the fatal shooting of Audwin “Sugars” Pinney, 40, who resided at Conaree Village. Mr. Pinney was shot multiple times by an armed assailant on March 8 at about 9:00 pm in Conaree Village. His killer then fled the scene. Mr. Pinney was taken to the JNF Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy will be performed on his body.

Investigations into Mr. Pinney’s murder are ongoing and no one is in custody at this point.

Mr. Pinney’s murder follows closely on the heels of three murders in three days that sent shockwaves throughout the country.

Collin Izum Matthew died after receiving multiple gunshot wounds in broad daylight on March 2.

On March 10th 2009, Police formally arrested and charged Denzil "Para" Williams and Bernard Berry for the murder of Mr. Matthew.

No one has been charged in the other seven murders for the year.

Less than 48 hours after Mr. Matthew’s murder, Kwesi Twells, 20, of Manchester Avenue, Newtown and Akimba Whyte, 19, of Cardin Avenue, were gunned down on March 4 in Haynes Smith Village on the Infirmary Road in the vicinity of Rasco Tec shop about 1:15 pm by masked men, who then made good their escape in an unidentified motor car, the Police say. They received multiple gunshot wounds.

They were pronounced dead at the scene by the district medical doctor, Dr. Reginald O’ Loughlin.

An autopsy was performed by Dr. Stephen Jones on March 6 on the bodies of Twells, Matthew and Whyte.

Mr. Whyte died as a result of gunshot injuries to the head whereas Mr. Matthew and Mr. Twells died as a result of gunshot injuries to the chest and abdomen with hemorrhage and shock.

At his monthly press conference on March 4, Prime Minister Douglas called on the full mobilization of the Police and Defence Forces and all sectors of the society to combat gang violence and crime.

The government is offering a reward of EC$10,000.00 leading to the arrest and trial of persons involved in these recent homicides and a monetary reward of between EC$500-1000 leading to the recovery of any firearm and highest priority in terms of the amount of the reward will be given in the recovery of firearms used in the committal of any crime.

The Police are appealing to persons who have information on these incidents to contact the National Joint Headquarters at 466-9279 ext. 246 or the Police emergency line at 911. Information can also be given to the following numbers: - 662-9336, 662-8480 or 662-1014. Information can be given anonymously and will be kept in strict confidence.