Law enforcement authorities in Saint Lucia have confirmed they have taken a suspect into custody following a fatal shooting in Massade, Gros Islet, that left 34-year-old Julian Cedric Aguil dead over the weekend.
The violent incident unfolded shortly after 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, triggering an immediate, large-scale search operation led by local law enforcement, according to Superintendent Eldeen Henry, commanding officer of the country’s Northern Division.
First responders received an emergency report of gunfire at a residential property in Massade, Rosalie, and rushed to the location. By the time police arrived at the scene, Aguil — a resident of Marisule, Gros Islet — had already been moved to the Gros Islet Polyclinic. A medical professional at the facility later officially pronounced him dead from his injuries.
Preliminary investigative findings indicate the shooting grew out of a verbal altercation that turned violent between two cousins at the home where the incident occurred.
Working around the clock, law enforcement tracked the suspect to a secluded wooded area in the Massade region less than 12 hours after the shooting took place. Officers took the suspect into custody at the site without major incident, Henry confirmed. During the arrest, the law enforcement team also seized a nine-millimetre handgun loaded with two live rounds of ammunition that was found in the suspect’s possession.
The investigation into the fatal shooting remains active and ongoing as detectives work to build a complete case file for prosecution.
Superintendent Henry extended public recognition to the officers of the Gros Islet Police Division and central headquarters personnel for their rapid, coordinated work that led to the quick apprehension. He also highlighted the critical contribution of local community members, who provided assistance that helped speed up the search operation.