Police Commissioner vows sweeping lawful crackdown after ‘brazen’ triple homicide 

By Admin. Updated 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Commissioner of Police Enville Williams has pledged an aggressive, intelligence-led response following the fatal shooting of three men in Kingstown on Friday night, describing the attack as a significant escalation in the gun violence confronting St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). 

In a national statement on Saturday, July 18, Williams said the killings, which occurred in the Chinatown area of Kingstown, represented “a deeply troubling escalation” and signalled a new phase in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force’s response to violent crime.

According to the Commissioner during an address broadcast on the State-owned NBC Radio, police responded to reports of multiple gunshots at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday. Upon arrival, officers found three men lying at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the location.

Dead are Ottley Hall residents Giovanni Grant, 24, and Karon Bowens, 35, who have had run-ins with the law. A third person described as a Cartman, Claud John was also shot dead.

Describing the attack as “brazen”, Williams noted that it occurred in the heart of the capital and in close proximity to the Police Barracks.

“I know that Vincentians are angry. I know that many are afraid, and I know that the public has heard assurances from the police force before,” Williams said.

“So today, I will not offer another assurance. I will tell you what we know, what we are doing, and what we now require from you, the public.”

Addressing those responsible for the killings and any criminal networks linked to them, the Commissioner warned that the police would be implementing what he described as a “highly coordinated, multifaceted assault” against organised criminal activity.

Without revealing operational details, Williams said the force had abandoned “the old playbook” and would be employing new strategies designed to make law enforcement actions less predictable.

“We do not need to break the law to break you. The law itself is our greatest weapon, and we are unleashing its full, unrelenting weight against you,” he declared.

Williams said every available intelligence capability and statutory power would be utilised within the framework of the Constitution and the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines. He stressed that investigators, tactical teams and prosecutors were working in close coordination to build strong cases capable of securing convictions.

He also warned that individuals who harbour suspects, conceal firearms, provide transport or withhold information could face serious legal consequences.

“If you are harbouring these men, if you are holding their weapons, if you are driving their vehicles, or if you are keeping their secrets, the law views you as an active participant in bloodshed,” the Commissioner said.

Appealing directly to members of the public, Williams urged citizens to assist investigators by reporting any information that could advance the case.

“The rule of law cannot protect a society that protects its killers,” he said, adding that criminals depend on community silence to evade justice.

He encouraged anyone with information relating to the shootings to contact the Criminal Investigations Department or the Major Crimes Unit at 456-1810, Police Control at 457-1211, or the emergency numbers 999 or 911, assuring the public that their identities would be protected.

Williams also extended condolences to the families of the victims and pledged that the police would pursue those responsible.

“Justice might appear slow, but rest assured it is sure as the sun shines,” he said.

Closing his address, the Commissioner reaffirmed that the state would not allow criminal violence to dictate the nation’s future.

“This country belongs to the decent, law-abiding citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It does not belong to thugs with guns,” Williams said.

“The guns will not govern this nation. The law will prevail, and the absolute sovereignty of the state will be maintained.”

Police investigations into the triple homicide are ongoing. The identities of the three deceased men had not been officially released up to the time of publication.

END