Turks and Caicos Islands’ first mass shooting killed 3, injured 10: Police – National
Three young people were killed in a popular nightclub in the Turks and Caicos, and another 10 were injured, which authorities called the first recent mass shooting in British territory.
According to Police Chief Fitz Bailey, at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, at 3 a.m. local time, at least four suspects were suspected of shootings in the hookah and cigar lounge, but no one was arrested.
“We are killing the underworld type now, and many of the gangster violence seems to be concentrated in our Haitian community,” Prime Minister Charles Washington Misick said in a news conference.
He called on the Haitian community to work with the police, saying some of them knew how to smuggle guns into Turks and Caicos.
“What’s going on here is different from anything we’ve seen before,” he said. “It’s not a situation we should accept.”
Police revealed the victims’ identities, namely Yeiscol Rhinel Rodriguez Florestino, 25, Keell Silver, 39, and Erlin Dorastin, 27.
Bailey said other victims were injured from “secondary to severe” and were transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Center for medical care.
Acting State Governor Anya Williams said the hospital in Providarias is locked in order to protect those treated for their injuries.
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According to police, two people were released from the hospital for life-threatening injuries, while the other two were airlifted for overseas care. Two other injured people were in steady state and under close monitoring, while four others were in hospital care.
“Investigators from Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force are working around the clock to determine the full picture of the incident and identify and arrest those responsible for such meaningless violence,” Bailey said.
Royal Turkish and Caicos Police Forces have asked the public to provide information to crime stoppers and provide a $10,000 reward for reliable information to help police investigate. Crime Blockers also offered an additional $10,000 reward for any information, resulting in the occupation of Andrew Percival as one of the suspects.
Turkish and Caicos Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam issued a statement Monday, saying she “delivered her deepest condolences to the victims and their families during this incredibly painful time.”
“The police have a comprehensive multi-agency operation plan and are actively pursuing all potential customers. As the investigation progresses, the National Security Council continues to provide comprehensive oversight of the broader response.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the first responders, including the police, the medical team and the emergency department staff, to respond quickly and bravely to this tragedy,” she wrote.
Daniel-Selvaratnam urges anyone who may have information to come forward.
“If you know something, say something. Your voice can have a crucial impact,” she said. “Our mind still exists in all those affected. The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors remains our top priority.”
The shooting was illegally immigrated with the destruction of the archipelago.
An estimated 10,900 Haitians live in the Turks and Caicos Islands, accounting for one-third of the region’s population. According to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs, about 80% of Haitians live in prisons and 20% have permanent residence.
The mass shooting happened more than a week after the body found by Turks and Caicos was identified as a U.S. tourist Brian Tarrence. The 51-year-old last appeared on June 25. No connection was made between the two events.
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) said Talens’ body was found in a search on July 5, but they could only confirm his identity on July 16 after receiving results from forensic dental analysis.
“The autopsy conducted on July 11 showed no signs of trauma and fouls are not suspected at this time,” police said in a media statement on Facebook. “RT&CIPF continues to await the final autopsy and toxicology report to complete the investigation.”
Police said: “During this difficult time, RT&CIPF expressed condolences to Mr. Tallens’ family and friends. We thank the public for their patience and support as they continue their investigation.”
– Documents with the Associated Press
& Copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
