Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has vowed that investigators will relentlessly pursue those responsible for Monday night’s deadly shooting in Bathlodge, which claimed the life of 20-year-old Saquania Anthony and left two others injured.
Police Commissioner Vows Relentless
Jeffers strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless and reprehensible act that robbed a young mother of her life and plunged her family into grief.
“I am deeply disgusted and disturbed by this senseless act of violence that has taken the life of an innocent young mother,” he said. “There can be absolutely no justification for this level of brutality and disregard for human life. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.”
The commissioner said the investigation is being treated with the utmost seriousness, with forensic, intelligence, investigative and operational resources assigned to pursue every available lead.
He also issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to hide or assist those involved in the killing.
“Anyone who commits an act of this nature must understand that the police will relentlessly pursue every lawful avenue to identify them and bring them before the courts,” Jeffers said.
“Equally, anyone who knowingly shelters, conceals or assists those responsible must understand the seriousness of their actions. There must be no safe haven for persons who perpetrate this type of violence within our communities.”
Jeffers said Anthony’s killing should strengthen the nation’s resolve to stand against violent crime and prevent such attacks from becoming accepted as normal.
“This wicked act should be enough to stir the conscience of our nation,” he said. “A young woman has lost her life, a family has been devastated, and a community has been left to deal with the trauma of another senseless act of violence.”
The commissioner appealed to anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has information about those involved to assist investigators, stressing that silence protects offenders and undermines efforts to make communities safer.
“The police cannot do this alone. We need our citizens to stand with us,” Jeffers said.
“If you know something, say something. Do not allow fear, friendship, family ties or misplaced loyalty to shield persons who are prepared to take another person’s life.”
Jeffers assured Anthony’s family and the wider public that the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda would remain resolute in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and bringing those responsible to justice.
He extended condolences to Anthony’s family and loved ones and wished the two injured victims a full recovery.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-TIPS (8477), or the nearest police station.
