Dear Editor,
There remains a profound sense of grief, concern, unanswered questions, and lingering pain within the community of St. Peters and across St. Martin regarding the fatal shooting of Mr. Rudy Benjamin on February 13, 2026. Although time has passed since the incident, many residents still seek clarity and transparency about what happened that evening. The community believes that a full understanding of the facts is essential to fostering accountability and rebuilding public trust.
As the court proceedings approach on November 13, many residents continue to await information regarding key aspects of the investigation being handled by the Prosecutor's Office of Curaçao. To date, little public information has been shared about the time of the Court Case on November 13, the evidence collected (including camera footage), autopsy findings, and other details that may help clarify what transpired that night. Mr. Benjamin's family and the wider community are still seeking answers.
As a community leader, I believe law enforcement agencies and their representatives should strengthen their engagement with the communities they serve, particularly during times of tragedy. Empathy, open communication, and meaningful community outreach can play a vital role in rebuilding trust and confidence between residents and the Police Force.
As Co-Founder of the St. Peters Community Council, I remain concerned by the many differing accounts, questions regarding procedures, and unresolved issues that have emerged since the incident. The public deserves assurance that all established protocols, training standards, and operational procedures were followed appropriately and that any shortcomings, if identified, will be addressed transparently.
The Police Force invests considerable resources in professional development, including emergency response training, lifesaving techniques, crisis intervention, and community-oriented policing. Consequently, members of the public continue to ask important questions, including:
- Were all appropriate de-escalation measures exhausted before deadly force was used?
- What is the police procedure when an officer is going to the scene of an individual who is perceived to have a weapon?
- Were officers able to apply any of their life-saving or CPR training immediately following the shooting?
- Is it necessary to shoot a person more than allegedly 10 times when the person did not shoot back at the officers?
- Did the officers who shot Rudy Benjamin leave the crime scene, and were other officers brought in to take over the scene on their behalf? Is this part of standard police procedure?
- Did the Police call a physician to officially pronounce Mr. Benjamin's death on the night of February 13 before his body was removed to the funeral home?
- Can the authorities explain why Mr. Benjamin's death certificate allegedly indicates that a doctor pronounced him dead on February 14 at 11:50 a.m., rather than on the night of February 13 when the shooting occurred?
- Are the three officers involved in the incident still actively serving? If so, why were they not placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation?
- Did all investigative protocols follow established police procedures?
These questions are not intended to prejudge the outcome of the investigation or court proceedings. Rather, they reflect the legitimate concerns of a community seeking transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of the facts. Many unanswered questions and conflicting accounts remain surrounding this incident. For this reason, many residents believe that presenting any available camera footage and other relevant evidence during the court proceedings will be essential to provide clarity, address speculation, and restore public confidence in the investigative process.
St. Peters residents viewed Rudy Benjamin as a well-known and respected member of the community. Many knew him as a hardworking individual who contributed positively to those around him and was often willing to help those in need. For that reason, many residents remain deeply shocked by the circumstances of his death and continue to struggle with the loss.
The family and the wider community hope that the court proceedings will provide a thorough, fair, and transparent examination of all relevant evidence, including any available video or audio recordings. Public confidence can only be strengthened when questions are answered openly and justice is administered impartially.
In addition, I encourage continued investment in tools and training that support accountability and de-escalation, including body-worn cameras, enhanced crisis intervention techniques, pepper spray, and other non-lethal response options. Such measures can strengthen community trust and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Ultimately, the people of St. Peters are seeking the truth. Transparency, accountability, and open communication are essential not only for the Benjamin family but also for restoring trust between law enforcement and the community it serves.
Maurice Lake
Co-Founder
St. Peters Community Council
