The murder of a Trinidadian was recorded as the last murder in St Lucia for 2017.
On December 31, Richie Ramdass, 24, of Preysal was found shot dead minutes after the bullet-riddled body of a Venezuelan national was found in a rental vehicle.There were 60 murders on the island last year.
According to a police report in St Lucia, at about 10 pm, police officers of the Southern Criminal Investigations Department received a report of a possible homicide occurring along the St Jude’s Highway at Cantonment, Vieux Fort. Police found the body of Venezuelan national Vincente Jose Mendoza Pacheco, 26. He was shot several times.
An undisclosed amount of US currency and a firearm were also recovered and seized.
The body of Ramdass was found nearby.
He was also shot several times. Investigating officers believe that the double murder was drug-related.
Contacted yesterday, one of Ramdass’ relatives said that he was self-employed and “worked hard for his money.” The relative described Ramdass as a “fun-loving and outdoor person, who knew everyone from all parts of Trinidad.”
Arrangements are being made to have Ramdass’ body returned to Trinidad for burial.