Police have brought a murder charge against one of the four men who were allegedly nabbed in a car with an unlicensed firearm on Dec. 17.
Kamal Ballantyne, a 23-year-old mechanic, of Glen, was charged on Sunday with murder in connection with the death of Isaiah Antrobus, a 23-year-old baker, of Kingstown Park.
Antrobus was gunned down in Glen on Dec. 15 and a 13-year-old student was also injured in that shooting incident.
Police have also charged Ballantyne with attempted murder in connection with the injury of that student.
Ballantyne is slated to appear before the Serious Offences Court (SOC) later on Monday for arraignment.
Ballantyne’s murder and attempted murder charges are in addition to the firearm and ammunition charges that police have brought against him and his co-accused in the gun matter.
Police have alleged that Ballantyne was among four men in a car in which they found an unlicensed pistol around 11:45 p.m. on Dec. 17.
Ballantyne along with Altha James, a 19-year-old porter; Javid Grant, a 20-year-old bag boy; and Vashon Thomas, a 20-year-old electrician, all residents of Glen, pleaded not guilty at the SOC to a charge that on Dec. 17, at Glen, they had one Glock 9mm pistol in their possession without a license issued under the Firearms Act.
Senior Magistrate Colin John granted the men EC$20,000 bail with one surety and ordered them to report to the Calliaqua Police Station on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Police have said that after finding the gun in the car, they conducted searches at the men’s home and found an AR-15 rifle — a prohibited weapon — and 171 rounds of ammunition.
Thomas has been charged with possession of an AR-15 rifle, a prohibited weapon, at his home on Dec. 18 without authorisation of the minister.
He was also charged with possession of 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 71 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, prohibited ammunition, without the authorisation of the minister.
Also, Thomas’ girlfriend, Grandeisha Cain, of Glen, was charged that on Dec. 3, at Glen, she had in her possession one black AR-15 automatic rifle, a prohibited weapon, without authorisation of the minister.
Both Thomas and Cain have pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Police said Sunday night that Ballantyne’s arrest for murder “marks a major victory for RSVGPF, as police have been actively investigating this and other homicides with unwavering resolve. The RSVGPF remains devoted to pursuing those responsible for violent crimes and ensuring that justice is served.
“… The RSVGPF extends its gratitude to members of the public who have provided information to assist in this and other investigations. The police encourage anyone with relevant details to come forward, as public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime,” the release said.
Police are asking people with information to call +1 (784) 457-1211, +1 (784) 456-1810, +1 (784) 485-6891 or police emergency at 911/999
“All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” police said.