RSLPF arrests Jamaican national for Castries murder, second suspect charged in Micoud killing
The Major Crimes Unit charged a Jamaican national with capital murder in the La Clery shooting of Cresean Biscombe. A second suspect in the 2024 killing of 13-year-old Melchizedek Tixcy was apprehended in Dominica.
Jamaican national charged with capital murder after La Clery shooting, second Micoud suspect extradited from Dominica
According to thevoiceslu.com, the Major Crimes Unit of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has secured two significant breakthroughs in separate homicide investigations within the same week.
Javier Cleveland Bailey, also known as "JA," a Jamaican national, was arrested on Saturday 24th January 2026 in connection with the murder of 27-year-old Cresean Biscombe. Biscombe was shot and killed on Monday 19th January 2026 at La Clery, Castries. Bailey was formally charged on Tuesday 27th January with capital murder and appeared before the First District Court the following day, where he was remanded in custody.
A second suspect arrested on Monday 26th January in the same case remains in police custody, assisting with investigations. The Major Crimes Unit has indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that information being pursued may lead to the apprehension of further assailants.
Second suspect in 2024 schoolboy killing charged after nearly two years on the run
A separate development concerns the homicide of 13-year-old Melchizedek Gilbert Tixcy, who was shot and killed on 31st July 2024 at his residence in Blanchard Micoud. Superintendent in Charge of the Southern Division, Stephen Victorin, confirmed that a second suspect in the case had been formally charged.
Victorin stated that Makalay Simon of Blanchard Desruisseaux had been arrested and charged with murder on 8th August 2024, and was subsequently remanded at the Borderlais Correctional Facility following arraignment before the Second District Court at Vieux Fort.
The second suspect, identified as Merkyle Cooper, a 20-year-old male of Desruisseaux, Micoud, had fled St. Lucia after the incident. "A second male suspect, Merkyle Cooper, a 20-year-old male of Desruisseaux, Micoud who had fled the state after the incident, was recently apprehended on the island of Dominica for possession of controlled drugs," Victorin said. "Through inter agency cooperation, Merkyle Cooper has been in local police custody from Thursday 22nd January 2026."
Cooper was charged with murder on Monday 25th January and arraigned before the Second District Court on Tuesday 26th January. He was remanded in custody at the Borderlais Correctional Facility.
Gun amnesty concludes; Operation Clean Sweep to be announced
The RSLPF's gun amnesty, which ran from Monday 19th January to Wednesday 28th January 2026, came to a close as the week ended. The initiative, part of the broader "127 Steps to Order" action plan, was designed to reduce the availability and use of illegal firearms and ammunition in communities across the island.
Results of the amnesty were not immediately available. The RSLPF indicated that details will be disclosed at a press conference on Thursday 5th February 2026. Commissioner of Police Verne Garde is expected at that same event to announce "Operation Clean Sweep," a set of more aggressive measures targeting illegal firearms and ammunition on the streets.
Police Marine Unit completes joint tactical training with Florida National Guard
The Police Marine Unit (PMU) concluded a three-day small unit Tactical Operations course from Monday 26th January to Wednesday 28th January 2026, conducted in collaboration with the Florida National Guard.
PMU officers demonstrated small boat tactical operations, covering maritime patrol procedures, interdiction techniques and coordinated vessel maneuvers. Florida National Guard instructors delivered training on room clearance and vehicle checkpoint operations, with an emphasis on communication, discipline and structured tactical movement.
Scenario-based practical exercises formed the core of the program, aimed at improving decision-making, teamwork and operational readiness. Command representatives from both organisations highlighted the importance of joint training in strengthening professionalism and sustaining cooperation between partner agencies.
Source: Google News LC — Crime