Campden Park businesswoman killed amidst feud over property

The killing of a Campden Park woman outside her business place has left residents speculating about a possible link between her death and an ongoing feud over property after her husband died during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Renella Bowens aka Ada, 62, died on Wednesday at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where she had been taken after being shot multiple times the previous night.

Her death brought the homicide count in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this year to 22.

Police said Bowens was seated on the steps outside her business establishment in Campden Park with a friend when two masked assailants approached and opened fire around 7:22 p.m. Tuesday.

She was transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where she died the following morning.

Bowens’ husband and business partner, Cally Bowens, died of COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic.

Well-placed sources tell iWitness News that since then, there have been disputes over the property where the couple had lived and conducted business for years.

“This brutal and senseless act has left a community in mourning and a family grieving,” police said in a press statement.

“The RSVGPF is actively pursuing all available leads and continues to follow every angle as part of ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Bowens is the second businesswoman and the third businessperson to be shot and killed at their establishment in SVG this year.

On May 13, Stephen King aka King-O, 76, of Green Hill, was shot and killed while sitting on his patio around noon, leaving his family and community wondering about the motive for his murder.

Then, three days later, on May 16, Lesline Davis, 68, died behind the Lotto machine where she had been when a gunman opened fire at her shop, located below the Belmont Government School, around 8:30 p.m.

Two of her customers, Joel Browne, 36, — an identical twin — and Demeon Cumberbatch, 38, both of Belmont, who were socialising after finishing working at a business place nearby, were also shot and killed.

No charges have been brought in connection with King’s death, but police have charged Leon John, 28, and Kesroy Ryan, 24, with three counts of murder in connection with the killing in Belmont.

On Wednesday, police appealed to the public to assist the investigation into Bowens’ death by sharing any information, however small, that could help move the investigation forward.

People with knowledge of the incident or suspicious activity in the area are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) at 456-1810, call Police Control at 457-1211, visit any police station, or speak with a police officer they trust. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
“The RSVGPF extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Bowens. As your police force, we are working assiduously to find those responsible for this and other recent incidents that threaten the safety and peace of our nation. Your support is essential in that effort.”