An eleven-month-old baby boy and an unborn child have been left without a father following a fatal shooting in Conway, Castries on Wednesday evening.
The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Michael Charlery, marking the island’s 15th homicide and adding to mounting concern over violent crime across the country.
According to reports, the incident has left family members devastated, with loved ones recounting the moment they learnt of the tragedy.
“I was in town. When I came back home, my sister called me and told me they shot him,” the victim’s partner said.
Relatives also spoke of the emotional toll the killing has already taken on the young child left behind.
“What is more touching me now is that every day there is a call for the little baby on video call, saying ‘look daddy, look daddy’,” a loved one shared. “And today the baby is there and not even hearing the voice of his father.”
The relative expressed concern for the future, noting the difficult conversations that lie ahead.
“When that boy comes of age, I do not even know what we will have to tell him about that,” the individual added.
Another family member highlighted the need for support for the grieving family, particularly the partner and children.
“I do not know, maybe she will get the help,” the relative said. “I have always been seeking help for them. He still has his mother, so maybe they could take good care of her. I hope so.”
The latest killing underscores the continuing human cost of violent crime in Saint Lucia, with families and communities left to cope with loss, trauma and uncertainty in its aftermath.