In a tragic incident that disrupted national festivities, St. Kitts law enforcement authorities have formally charged two individuals in connection with the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Kaden Hanley. Kirvin Morris, a resident of Haynes Smith Village, and an unidentified 16-year-old male face murder charges for the January 2nd altercation that occurred during the Christmas-Carnival celebrations.
The violent episode unfolded between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. near Independence Square in Basseterre, where police responders discovered Hanley suffering from a critical chest wound. Despite rapid transportation to Joseph N. France General Hospital by Special Services Unit personnel, the Shadwell Estate resident succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:00 p.m.
This homicide—the first recorded in the Federation for 2026—prompted immediate cancellation of remaining Carnival events, sending shockwaves throughout the community. The incident’s impact reached governmental levels, with Minister of Creative Economy Samal Duggins issuing a heartfelt statement emphasizing the festival’s intended purpose of celebrating cultural unity and life’s fragility.
Duggins urged collective reflection, stating: ‘These tragic circumstances remind us of our shared responsibility to protect one another. We must honor Kaden’s memory by embracing compassion over conflict and community solidarity over division.’
The formal charges against both suspects were filed on January 24, marking a significant development in the investigation that has gripped the small nation.