PHILIPSBURG:--- A shooting into the wee hours of the morning has left a Guyanese national dead.
The shooting took place early Wednesday morning in Middle Region in the vicinity of Marie Laurence School. According to information, SMN News received two shootings that took place in the same area an hour apart. The first it is understood has to do with an armed robbery, an hour later police were called to the same area for a second shooting where the young Guyanese national was found dead. The victim has been identified as Trishan Ramphal an employee of Economy Car Rental (Paradise Car Rental). SMN News further learned Ramphal died after receiving no less than five gunshots.
Police Spokesman Inspector Josepha confirmed the shooting incidents but said he is working on press release where more information will be divulged. Josepha further explained that the first shooting incident took place around 1 am Wednesday morning while the second was about 2 am in Middle Region.
Investigations into two separate early morning shootings launched.
The Sint Maarten Police Force had a busy start to the morning, with two separate shootings that took place today Thursday 20th February 2020, coincidently in the same vicinity resulting in the second murder of the year being recorded.
In the first shooting, three Central Dispatch directed the Police Patrols to the Middle Region area at approximately 01.50 am to investigate a robbery that had taken place whereby several shots were fired.
The victim, who sustained several gunshot wounds to his upper arm, was transported to the Sint.Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) by private vehicle prior to the police arrival at the scene.
On the scene, officers were informed that during a robbery the suspects fired several shots before fleeing the scene with the victim’s possession.
The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to his upper arm, was transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) by private vehicle prior to the police arrival at the scene. The detectives visited the hospital to obtain a statement from the victim with initials J.L.D, who is currently in stable condition after receiving treatment.
In his statement to the detectives who went to the Medical Center, the victim explained that he was robbed of his motorbike and some jewelry by (2) two male suspects carrying a firearm. This investigation is still ongoing.
In the second shooting the personnel of the detective department is currently investigating a shooting that also took place in the Middle Region area thirty minutes after the first.
The Police Patrol and Ambulance department were sent to Elders drive, at approximately 02:30 am, where they encountered a male in a vehicle not showing any signs of life.
After conducting a brief investigation on the scene it was concluded that the victim had sustained several gunshot wounds to his body. The detectives on the case are currently still gathering more information into what exactly transpired during the hours leading up to the shooting and will update the media as it becomes available.
The identity of the victim is currently being withheld until all families of the victim have been properly notified.
The detectives investigating both cases are asking anyone with information, to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force, at +1 721- 542 22 22 ext. 204 or 205 or the anonymous tip line on 9300 (free of charge). You can also visit the website at www.policesxm.sx to report crime anonymous via the tip contact form. Or you can leave a Private Message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten) if you know or suspect something.
KPSM Press Release.
