By Admin. Updated 6:16 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Police have launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of three men in Kingstown late Friday night after officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the Chinatown area.
According to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), officers were called to the scene at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday, July 17. Upon arrival, they discovered three men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. All three were pronounced dead.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Claude John, 50, a cart operator of Largo Height;
- Karon Bowens, 34, a labourer of Ottley Hall; and
- Giovannie Grant, 23, a labourer of Ottley Hall.
Police said investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify the person or persons responsible.
Post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted to determine the exact causes of death.
The killings mark one of the deadliest single shooting incidents in recent years and have heightened concerns over violent crime in the capital.
It comes about three years after the July 2023 incident where five individuals, including a teen lost their lives inna mass shooting incident at the southern area of the Capital.
In a brief national address on Saturday, July 18, Commissioner of Police Enville Williams described the incident as a “deeply troubling escalation” in gun violence and said the RSVGPF would intensify its intelligence-led operations to bring those responsible to justice. He also appealed to members of the public to assist investigators by sharing any information that could advance the case.
The RSVGPF is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist the investigation to contact the Criminal Investigations Department/Major Crimes Unit at 456-1810, Police Control at 457-1211, the emergency lines 999 or 911, or the officer in charge of the nearest police station.
Police said all information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.
The RSVGPF also extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased as investigations continue.
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