Two firearm-related incidents are engaging the attention of detectives attached to the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Shortly after midnight today, May 25th, the Police Control Room received multiple reports of loud explosions in the Ralph Close, Blue Hills area.
Officers were immediately dispatched to the location and, upon arrival, discovered a male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the leg. The 41-year-old victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Based on preliminary investigations, the victim was seated outside his home when he was confronted by five masked, armed males announcing a robbery. The victim ran off for assistance and was shot in the process. The victim was transported for medical assistance.
While processing the scene, officers found a second male victim lying face down next to a vehicle with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The victim has been identified as ROBERTO YACINTHE, 33, OF Blue Hills. Initial investigations reveal that the victim was accosted by two males and shot. Mr. Yacinthe was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor at 1:15 am.
This is the second homicide to have occurred within 12 hours.
Around 2:58 pm yesterday, the body of a male was discovered with gunshot wounds in Five Cays. The victim has been identified as JEAN MILET GARDINER, alias “FANFAN”.
Mr Gardiner, 43, a Haitian national residing in Five Cays, was pronounced deceased at 3:16 pm by a medical practitioner.
The RT&CIPF are pursuing all available leads to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
We are seeking the public’s assistance with these matters and encourage you to notify the nearest police station, dial 999, contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-8477 to anonymously provide any information regarding these incidents.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.