St. John’s Antigua: Police commissioner Vere Browne yesterday revealed his constabulary has nabbed all four suspects in the killing of the gas station attendant during a robbery at Dee’s Service Station a week ago.
However, as the lawmen pat themselves on the back for solving the country’s first murder, they are simultaneously hanging their heads in shame since one of their own has been linked to the crime, while a second suspect is a former member of the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force.
The two other suspects are men known to the court for serious crimes.
The police constable and another suspected accomplice have been in custody since earlier this week.
Commissioner Browne said the ex-ABDF member was picked up Thursday evening and the fourth suspect turned himself in yesterday afternoon, accompanied his lawyer.
The men are said to be in their 20s and mid 30s.
The commissioner said charges are expected to be filed shortly. Until then, the suspects’ names would not be disclosed.
“The investigation is ongoing and at this juncture I am extending sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of the public for their continued support,” Commissioner Browne said.
He also urged the public to continue to lend support to police in the fight against crime.
“And I dare say, I would like to extend highest praises and commendation to the members of the constabulary who worked beyond the call of duty since the report was made, to ensure all accused were taken into custody,” the police chief added.
On February 17, at about 9:15 pm, the suspects allegedly drove to Dee’s 24 hour Service Station in a green Nissan Almera car and three of them exited the vehicle with guns while the fourth man remained behind the wheel.
The attendants reportedly dropped their moneybags and allowed the trio to pick them up without offering resistance.
Witnesses said once the thieves got their loot, they opened fire on the attendants and returned the getaway car, which sped off into the night.
The deceased was the only attendant struck by the bullets. She sustained injuries to the breast, hand and abdomen. The 40-year-old mother of two died the following night.
On Tuesday police recovered the vehicle they believed was used in the crime and on Thursday they reportedly recovered the moneybags and several cheques belonging to the service station.
Several other persons who were detained during the investigation have been released pending further investigations.
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