The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has launched a homicide investigation following the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Jamal ‘Perry’ Thomas of Belair on Sunday night.
Police have not disclosed a possible motive or identified any suspect as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Thomas’ death.
Saint Lucia Fire Service Press Officer Sherise John said emergency personnel responded to a reported gunshot wound incident at Bel Air, Bexon, at approximately 10.37 pm.
“Upon arrival at the scene, an adult male was found in a supine position on the ground,” John said.
She said an assessment found Thomas unresponsive and without vital signs.
“Multiple penetrating wounds were observed about the body, along with obvious signs of death,” John said.
The scene was subsequently handed over to officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
Thomas’ death has left relatives mourning a young man his aunt described as a good person.
Speaking to the media without revealing her name, Thomas’ aunt rejected any suggestion that her description of him was influenced solely by their family relationship.
“Sometimes in front of us, yes, but I’m telling you, Jamal was a good person,” she said. “People will say because I’m Jamal’s aunt, I’ll say no. He’s a very, very good person.”
She recalled interacting with Thomas on Saturday night and said he had bought a drink after she had asked someone else for one.
“Saturday night, I asked Perry a drink, I tell Perry I don’t want that drink, but he still buy something, he buy a coke, and that’s all, that’s all, that’s all,” she said.
The aunt also recalled Thomas’ willingness to assist her when she needed help.
The circumstances surrounding Thomas’ killing remain under investigation.
Police are expected to establish what led to the shooting, identify the person or persons responsible and determine a possible motive as the homicide investigation progresses.