PHILIPSBURG: ---Police on St. Maarten, working in collaboration with the Gendarmes on Saint Martin, captured the man who KPSM wants for the brutal murder of Guyanese national Denzil Skeete.
Skeete was shot to death in the presence of his girlfriend on Sunday, January 26th, 2025, and was laid to rest on Friday, February 14th, 2025.
Acting Commissioner of Police Delano Baptist has since confirmed that the wanted man was captured on Thursday morning on the French side, where he has been hiding.
KPSM will release further details on capturing the wanted man later today. The suspect has been identified as J.J.
"Law Enforcement Organizations strategy: 'You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide"
The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) reminds the community that committing a crime on either side of the island does not guarantee safety on the other. A joint strategy between Dutch and French law enforcement agencies is firmly in place, ensuring criminals have nowhere to hide. This cross-border collaboration is vital in maintaining safety and upholding the law throughout the island.
As part of this ongoing cooperation, KPSM provides an update regarding the fatal shooting that took place on Aron Jacobs Drive in the Cape Bay area on January 26th, 2025.
Following the incident, detectives of KPSM conducted an extensive investigation, gathering critical information that indicated the suspect had fled to the French side of the island shortly after the shooting. This intelligence was promptly shared with French law enforcement, leading to coordinated action between both agencies.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, February 20th, 2025, the French police arrested the suspect at a residence on the French side of Saint Martin. Two additional individuals residing at the location were also taken into custody during the intervention. Multiple firearms were discovered and confiscated during the operation.
This successful arrest highlights the critical importance of cross-border collaboration in combating crime. Criminals often seek to exploit the island’s dual jurisdiction, but the continued partnership between KPSM and the French Gendarmerie ensures swift responses to such tactics. Information sharing, joint planning, and coordinated actions have proven effective tools in delivering justice and keeping both communities safe.
The Public Safety Center (Police Substation) in Cole Bay was essential in this cooperation. With French and Dutch law enforcement officers operating from the exact location, the center enables efficient communication, faster operational coordination, and stronger working relationships between the two agencies.
Following the arrest, the process has been initiated to have the suspect extradited to the Dutch side of the island for prosecution. Both law enforcement agencies remain committed to ensuring those responsible for criminal acts are held accountable, regardless of where they seek refuge.
KPSM would like to extend its gratitude to the French authorities for their cooperation and looks forward to continuing to work together in the best interest of Sint Maarten.
KPSM urges anyone with additional information regarding this case to come forward by contacting the tip line at 9300 or +1 (721) 542-2222.
KPSM Press Release.
