GHS Bus Stop shooting victim dies

The man who became paralysed from the neck down and remained in hospital since he was shot near the Girls’ High School Bus Stop in Kingstown on April 1, died on Thursday.

Michael Richards aka Boxer, a 26-year-old labourer of Diamond, died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

He was shot around 1:20 p.m. on April 1 and was transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

On April 3, police charged Laurent Isidore, 26, of St. Lucia, who was living at Gibson Corner, and Keon Hackshaw, 17, of Ottley Hall, with attempted murder in connection with the shooting.

The men were denied bail as Richards was still hospitalised.

The attempted murder charge against them is expected to be upgraded to murder, a charge for which bail will not be available to them.

Isidore was charged that he unlawfully discharged one Smith and Wesson MP40 Pistol, serial number MPE3621, at Michael Richards, of Diamond, and that he used the same firearm with intent to commit an offence to wit murder.

Hackshaw was charged that he used one Taurus G2c 9mm Pistol serial number unknown with intent to commit an offence to wit murder and that he did unlawfully discharge one Taurus G2c 9mm pistol, serial number unknown, at Michael Richards, of Diamond.

Police said on Thursday that a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Richards’ body.

“The RSVGPF extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Richards and assures the public that the investigation into this matter has been ongoing since the date of the incident and remains a priority for the police,” police said in a press statement.

“We urge anyone with information that may assist in this and other investigations to come forward. Your cooperation is crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of our nation’s citizens, residents, and visitors,” the statement said.

Richards’ death brings the homicide count in SVG this year to seven.

The country recorded 54 homicides in 2024 and 55 in 2023.