Police seek witnesses to murder of teenager
(CNS): The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) said on Monday that the 17-year-old man killed on Saturday was Jerome Christopher Alexander Russell of George Town. The teenager was shot dead outside Shir Reynolds Nightclub and police are appealing to the public for any information. “We need to hear from anyone who has information which could help this investigation. Even if your information seems trivial, it could be the piece of the puzzle that we are looking for,” said Detective Inspector Kim Evans, who is leading the investigation.
“This is a tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of a very young life, and society has begun to feel the effects of this heinous crime,” Evans added.
Shortly after 10:00 pm, the 911 Emergency Communications Centre received a report of gunshots in the vicinity of the Shir Reynolds Nightclub in Shedden Road, George Town. Police and medical personnel attended the location and found Russell had been fatally shot near the exit to the car park of the club. A second 22-year-old victim subsequently attended the Cayman Islands Hospital with a gunshot wound, who remains under medical supervision, police said.
An exclusion zone has been established around the crime scene and a wider area which may hold important evidence. This area remains restricted to pedestrians and vehicles at this time. The RCIPS apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks everyone for their cooperation and patience.
A family liaison officer has been appointed and the RCIPS said that it sends condolences to the victim’s family and friends. Anyone who can help with the investigation is asked to contact detectives on 949-4222 or a number of dedicated cell phones; 926-1773, 925-7240, 926-3975 or 925-6761. People can also call Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.
Category: Headline News
POLICE MUST BE MORE ACTIVE
I cannot blame the police for the killing that took place at area of Shirley Renolds. But the police is not doing enough to be present when these clubs are closing down, or making constant drive by.
I dont know what is the problem but whom ever is in charge at those police stations need to pay more attention where the officers are at nights. Especially at closing time of bars and Night clubs. You see the same way that a parent or guardian is responsiblefor knowing where your child is, in the same tone, Officers in charge of shifts at police stations should be given some blame for not knowing where their officers are during witching time. Witching time is Closing hours, whether it be bars or Night Clubs.
When police see two or more gathered together in front of these premises why dont the police just park and watch from a distance. I am sure that, once they are being watch by police, or just seeing the police car, they will break it up and move on. I always try to encourage and support the police but their presence is too scarce. If we need more police get them, and my word, if they need more money give it to them. If we want police protection, then we must protect them too, that is by giving them what they need to work with. Being more cars, more finances or whatever it takes. We should not be mean to the police. On because we are expecting everything from them. One more thing, I believe Police officers should be equipped with a movie camera when on patrol at nights. Never know what you might see.
While there certainly is tragedy in the loss of ANY life in an untimely manner, I frankly find it DISTURBING that no one is speaking out about the irresponsible parenting that is allowing our young ‘teenagers’ to be out UNSUPERVISED at these late hours of the night, and at a ‘bar’ no less! Aren’t there Laws in this islands about such things? A 17 year old at a Bar? After 10pm? What was he even doing there in the first place?
The tragedy is a clear result of the rampant lack of dicipline that is growing in these islands (all right, the world as well). I believe frankly that we need to start holding the Parents/gardians of these young ‘juveniles’ responsible.
It is ironic that such a great effort is made to place ‘floral tributes’ on the scene of thier demise, but by then, such efforts are wasted …….
My condolences to the family of the young man who lost his life. It’s a very sad situation indeed. From what I was made to understand, it sounds like this young man just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s a very sad and unfortunate situation and as a parent it makes me very scared for the future of my children. I was also made to understand that it was a foreign national that committed the crime against this young Caymanian! What more has to happen to our young children for this country to realize that something has to be done about who we let on our shores. I know we as parents have to do our part and I know that there are parents that do try to raise their children in the right manner. But as hard as we try sometimes, somethings are just simply beyond our control and innocent people suffer the consequences. You have no idea how scared I am for the future of my children.
While the loss of life in these islands is certainly a trerrible waste and my condolences go out to the family of Mr.Russell, yesterday Jamaica posted its murder statistics for 2008 with figures of 1600 murders and stated that 13 murders had been committed in first 48hours of 2009 so by comparison we are still relatively safe.
If and when this investigation yields a result we should not be surprised as to where this type of violent crime is derived from. Much has been said on the previous topic regarding the leadership of the RCIPS. Some have chosen to praise their "chosen few" and I do agree with Mr. Ebanks that these are the same "chosen few" who have been and are the current leadership in the RCIPs for the past 5 years, which has seen some very serious corruption allegations come to the forefront whichhas now lead to the current probe.
Mr Bridger and the Governor did not dream it up as some individuals and groups are insinuating and would like the public to believe in the various statements to the news media . They simply have not chosen to sit by and allow it to happen and are now being condemned by some for not letting the status quo continue to the detriment of some very powerful corrupt elements who are embedded in our society. The law is often guilty of the evil it is supposed to punish.
My condolences also to the families of all our young Caymanians whom have lost their lives, whether to the gun, drugs or through road fatalilties. It is rather unfortunate that yet again we have lost the life of another "young man" of our Caymanian society.
Having read the above captioned letter "while the loss of life in the Cayman Islands" it is also unfortunte that our dear writer would continue to stress over the situations of our neighbouring country Jamaica, and the insinuations of the possibilities of this recent crime being committed once again by a member of the Jamaican society residing here. It would not be comforting to know that this could or may be the case, but let us not be quick to "point fingers" until we have conclusive evidence.
This country (Jamaica) in itself is under an attack all because they have chosen to become a rebellious nation, and many have turned from the presence of God. If our young people continue on the trend they are on, and refuse to turn from their wicked ways, then these islands too will be reaping what we have sown. The Bible declares that if you live by the sword, you will die by it, and whatsoever we sow, that we shall also reap. So if we sow unto corruption, then we will only reap corruption, and if we choose to serve God Almighty we will only reap the benefits of eternal life.
A Young Sister in Christ