Philipsburg:--- On December 30, 2009, around 8PM, the Afoo supermarket in Dutch Quarter was robbed by at least four men, who were in the possession of several firearms. During this armed robbery, the manager named Eric Yuan Sam was shot to death.
A large investigation was conducted. During the investigation, many suspects were arrested and many houses were searched. However, this brutal murder could not be solved. Therefore, the investigation ended at the end of 2010.
Many people were shocked by the death of Eric Yuan Sam, who was known by the Sint Maarten community as a very kind and caring person, who was always willing to help when help was needed. Many people nowadays remember this murder and are still feeling shocked about it. So are the Police Force of Sint Maarten and the Prosecutor's Office. It is for this reason that both the Chief of Police and the Prosecutor's Office have decided to re-open this investigation. In 2010, the Afoo Group offered a reward of $20,000 USD for the person that would give the information that would lead to solving of this crime. This reward is still valid.
The police are hereby asking for the help of the people of Sint Maarten in solving this awful crime. At the time of the robbery, a lot of customers were present in the supermarket. They saw and may have overheard the offenders. They may have information, which could lead to the identification of the culprits, which are believed to be young men. All the offenders can be seen on the video images of Afoo's security cameras. Photo images of this video are hereby being made public, in order for everybody - even those who were not present at the time of the robbery – to see if they recognize one or more of the offenders or even the masks, helmet, clothes they had on during this robbery.
The offenders left the supermarket via the alley that is located on the left side of the supermarket and they fled via the bushes behind the Afoo supermarket. Several neighbors saw this and have declared so.
If you were present at the Afoo supermarket at the time of the robbery, or if you were nearby, and if you saw or heard anything, either that same evening or in the days/weeks/months thereafter, that could help us solve this crime, please step forward and contact the police. A special telephone number (hotline) is available, 5531522. Your information could solve this case. You can make the difference.
Eric Yuan Sam was loved very much in Dutch Quarter as well as on the rest of the island. He would help whoever was in need of help. His death cannot remain unsolved. Help the police solve this murder, as Eric Yuan Sam helped so many persons during his life.
Please call the police at 5531522.
All your information will be dealt with in a confidential manner.
Click here to view photos of the 2009 Dutch Quarter Afoo robbery.
