Police have identified the woman fatally shot on the morning of August 23, at Forgotten Boundary in Morne Du Don, Castries. The victim is identified as 23-year-old Jeanelle Didier, also known as ‘Janique’ of Pavee Castries.
This marks the second incident of gun violence against a woman in Castries recently. On Tuesday, an 18-year-old woman was shot at Bexon. Reports indicated masked assailants opened fire as she returned home around 9p.m.
Friday’s shooting occurred shortly after police reported a decrease in homicides at this time last year, including 56 murders.
“The 2024 murder victim profile shows a concentration of victims aged 21 – 30, with 16 out of 40 total victims,” said Corporal Mervin Robinson. In summary, victims aged 31 – 40 accounted for 11 cases, while younger individuals aged 11 – 20 represent three victims. All victims were male.
In 2024, the Southern Division recorded the most homicides, comprising 47% of cases, followed by the Central Division at 28%, and the Northern Division at 25%.
However, murder rates varied by month, with February recording 12 murders, the highest, and May the lowest, with just one.
Moreover, firearms remain the most common weapons used in homicides, peaking at 33 cases in 2023. Sharp objects and blunt force incidents showed minimal fluctuations.
Police are investigating both incidents.
Source: Loop Saint Lucia
Photo credit: Saint Lucia Times
