ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – In a significant development in a high-profile local homicide case, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has confirmed that 18-year-old David McDonald, a resident of Golden Grove, has been taken into custody and formally charged with the murder of 60-year-old Mordecai Eleazer Francis, a well-known business owner from Swetes.
The fatal incident unfolded on the morning of Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Francis’ own business location, Risk Takers Supermarket, located in Freeman’s Village. At roughly 8:30 a.m. that day, emergency dispatch received an anonymous report of a shooting at the supermarket, and uniformed officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. When law enforcement arrived, they found Francis unresponsive inside the store, with clear evidence of multiple gunshot wounds. First responders attempted lifesaving measures but were unable to revive him.
Following the incident, the case was prioritized and assigned to the department’s Serious Crimes Unit, with additional support from senior investigators across the Criminal Investigations Department. For nearly two months, detectives worked through leads, interviewed witnesses, and processed forensic evidence collected from the crime scene, gradually building a case against the suspect.
As a result of the comprehensive investigative work, McDonald was taken into police custody recently and has now been officially charged with one count of murder. Police officials confirmed that the defendant is scheduled to make his first court appearance before a local magistrate sometime this week, marking the first formal step in the legal process.
In a media statement released Tuesday, September 15, 2026, through the force’s Office of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM), the Police Administration extended public gratitude to community members across Antigua for their ongoing cooperation and assistance throughout the investigation. Officials noted that public tips and willingness to share information were critical to moving the case forward, and encouraged continued collaboration with law enforcement to address violent crime across the islands.