Gun violance in the Federation

The Federation escaped doubling its homicide toll this past weekend when four shooting incidents left 5 young men with gunshot injuries. The gunplay began on Friday evening with two simultaneous shootings on St. Kitts, one occurring in the Basseterre area and one in the rural area of Saddlers.

At about 9 pm police from the St. Pauls Police Station responded to a report of a shooting in the Saddlers area. Investigations revealed that Kelvis "Kelly" Matthew, a Saddlers Village resident said to be in his mid 20's, was shot in his right leg while in Saddlers in the vicinity of Bradshaw Centre of Attraction. Matthew was taken to the Pogson Medical Centre where he was treated for his injury and discharged.

At about the same time another shooting was occurring, this time in at Upper Prickley Pear Alley, Basseterre. Police investigation revealed that Audrington "Weenie Man" Syder, 20, of Wades Garden was shot in his arm. Syder was taken to the JNF Hospital where he was treated for his injury and discharged.

On Saturday police at Gingerland Police Station, Nevis responded to a report of shooting which occurred at approximately 4:30 am in the Zion area. Investigation revealed that Jermaine "Chalice" Freeman of Rawlins Village, was shot in his right leg and Trevis "Gangster Fat" Hanley was shot in his back. Both Freeman and Handley are said to be in their mid 20's. The young men were taken to the Alexandra Hospital where they have been treated and detained in stable but serious condition.

A few hours later in St. Kitts police from the Sandy Point and the Old Road Police Stations responded to a report of shooting which occurred at approximately 10:30 am at Godwin Ghaut. Investigations revealed that Vincent Duporte of Halfway Tree was shot at by an unknown person. Duporte told police he fled the area and made his escape only to realize that he had received a bullet graze on his left ankle. He was taken to the Pogson Medical Centre where he was examined, treated for his injury and discharged.

No suspects have been taken into custody for any of the four shooting incidents however police say they are investigating the matters.

The Federation's current homicide stands at 6 for 2010, three having occurred in Nevis. One of the homicides recorded on St. Kitts was a police-related shooting. All victims were young men and all died by the gun.