Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have formally pressed criminal charges against two local men in connection with a fatal-intent shooting and a pair of armed robberies that rocked the community late last month, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda confirmed in an official media statement Wednesday.
Javia Peters, a resident of Potters, and Saquami Christian, from Tindale Road, face joint charges stemming from three separate criminal incidents that unfolded on September 27, according to the police force’s Office of Strategic Communications.
The first and most serious incident took place at approximately 3:40 a.m. on Gordon Street in the Villa neighborhood. During the event, 47-year-old local man Francis Dennis was struck by gunfire. Emergency responders transported the wounded victim to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to receive urgent medical care following the attack. For this shooting, Peters and Christian have each been charged with two offenses: shooting with intent to murder, and possession and use of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony.
Later the same day, two additional armed robberies occurred on Baxter Street in the Ottos area, both linked to the same two suspects. In the first robbery, the pair allegedly targeted a woman, stealing a collection of personal property including a cellphone, multiple SIM cards, a handbag, assorted pieces of jewelry, and an undisclosed amount of cash. The total estimated value of the stolen items comes to roughly 1,285 Eastern Caribbean dollars. In the second Ottos robbery, a second woman was robbed of her cellphone, a SIM card, and cash, with the stolen property totaling approximately 880 Eastern Caribbean dollars. For both robberies, the suspects face additional joint charges of weapon use during a felony and two counts of robbery.
As of Wednesday September 30, the date of the official announcement, both accused individuals are scheduled to make their first court appearance to respond to all six combined charges.
In the statement, the Royal Police Force’s administration extended its formal gratitude to members of the Antigua and Barbuda public for their ongoing support, patience, and cooperation throughout the investigation that led to the arrests and charges. Law enforcement officials are also continuing their call for community participation in reducing local crime, urging anyone with additional information about this case or any other ongoing criminal activity to reach out to investigators through official channels. Tips can be submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department via phone at 462-3913 or 462-3914, to the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477), or in person at the nearest local police station.