SVG: Businesswoman & customers killed, child among injured after shooting
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Investigators on the scene of the triple homicide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on May 16, 2025. (Photo credit: CMC)
By Kenton X Chance
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – Three people — a businesswoman and two of her customers — were shot and killed at a shop in Belmont on Friday night, while two others were injured, in the deadliest shooting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in two years.
Lesline Davis died behind the Lotto machine where she had been standing when a gunman opened fire at her shop, located below the Belmont Government School, around 8:30 p.m.
Two customers, Joel Browne and Demeon Cumberbatch, both Belmont residents who were socialising after finishing working at a business place nearby, were also shot and killed.
A seven-year-old boy, reportedly a relative of Davis, was shot in the shoulder and remained hospitalised on Saturday. An adult male was also injured. He returned to the scene, with a bandaged right foot and walking with a limp, around 12:25 a.m. on Saturday after receiving medical treatment. He was later seen leaving the area with police officers after initial investigations.
The motive for the killings remains unknown. However, Davis, who buys agricultural produce and sells it in other Caribbean countries, had previously been the target of robberies and attempted robberies.
The triple killing brings the number of homicides in SVG to five in just three days.
Among those visiting the scene were MP for East St George Camillo Gonsalves, whose constituency includes part of Belmont. He spoke with residents and police but declined to comment, saying he did not want to “prejudge” the situation.
MP for South Central Windward and Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar also visited the area, as did Carly John, husband of opposition senator Shevern John. John described Davis as a mother figure to him and expressed hope that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Friday’s killings followed the shooting death of 76-year-old businessman Stephen King, also known as King-O, on Tuesday. King was gunned down while sitting on his patio in Green Hill. As his assailants approached, neighbours heard him pleading, “What I do you? What I do you? Please don’t kill me!” before masked gunmen opened fire and fled the scene in a car.
King, who operated an appliance business near his home, was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital but died shortly after arrival.
On Wednesday, Ronaldo Adams, 21, of Glen, also died after being stabbed during an altercation. One person was taken into custody to assist with investigations.
The country’s deadliest shooting occurred on July 19, 2023, when five males, including a 13-year-old student, were killed in Kingstown.
With the latest incidents, the homicide count for the year has risen to 15.
