Police say they have detained two suspects and are searching for a third person, following the the murder of 20-year-old Saquania Anthony, a pregnant mother who was gunned down on Monday night in an incident that left two others, including a 13-year-old body, nursing gunshot wounds.
In an updated statement, the police said that two male suspects had been ‘arrested and taken into custody’ and that ‘efforts are continuing to locate the third person believed to have also been involved in the said incident’.
Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers, Tuesday described as ‘ a deeply disturbing and reprehensible act’ the murder of the pregnant woman, condemning what he also described as a ‘senseless and brutal act of violence’ .
He said the incident at Bathlodge, a village and residential area located in the parish of Saint John has robbed a young mother of her life and plunged her family and loved ones into grief.
‘I am deeply disgusted and disturbed by this senseless act of violence that has taken the life of an innocent young mother. There can be absolutely no justification for this level of brutality and disregard for human life. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.’
Jeffers said that the police force is treating the investigation with the utmost seriousness and has committed the necessary investigative, forensic, intelligence, and operational resources to pursue every available lead and bring closure to the matter.
He warned that anyone responsible for such a heinous crime should
In its statement, the police said that the incident occurred at approximately 11:30 pm (local time) on Monday night and when law enforcement officials arrived at the scene Anthony was found unresponsive with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds.
‘Preliminary investigations indicate that several persons were inside the residence when three masked intruders reportedly force their way into the building and discharged several rounds.
A 24-year-old man sustained gunshot injuries and was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he remains in stable condition. A 13-year-old boy was also shot and transported to the hospital. He remains in stable but serious condition and is receiving medical treatment,’ the police added.
‘The Police Administration strongly condemns this senseless act of violence and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has information that can assist investigators in identifying and locating the remaining suspect, to come forward without delay,’ the statement added.
Meanwhile, both Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister responsible for Public Safety, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, have strongly condemned the killing with Browne describing the incident as deeply disturbing and extended heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the young woman whose life was taken. .
‘The loss of a young life through gun violence is deeply troubling and unacceptable. A family is today grieving the loss of a daughter and loved one, while another family anxiously awaits news of a 13-year-old who is critically injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this terrible act of violence,’ Prime Minister Browne said.
The Prime Minister reiterated his deep concern and abhorrence at the incidences and recurrence of gun crimes in Antigua and Barbuda, stressing that the use of illegal firearms to carry out criminal acts cannot be allowed to become normalised within the society.
Sir Steadroy said that the latest incident comes at a time when the Royal Police Force has intensified its crime-fighting activities aimed at suppressing serious criminal activity and increasing police presence in identified areas.
‘This latest act will not weaken the resolve of the Government or the Police. The Royal Police Force will continue to be active and relentless in its efforts to bring crime under control, to remove illegal firearms from our streets, and to identify and bring offenders before the courts,’ Sir Steadroy stated.