By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 15th February 2023)- “I hear de sounds [of gunshots] but I didn’t know something happen until I hear de sirens.” That was what a community resident said while looking on from behind police tape which condoned the Irish Town Primary School in the aftermath of a deadly shooting on the school’s premises, on Tuesday 14th February 2023 in the vicinity of the main gate entrance, which claimed the life of a female identified by police as 51-year-old Dahlia Hanley of Lime Kiln Village who worked at the school as a security guard.
A female relative of a student, while waiting on the scene, expressed anger towards the gunman/men responsible who behaved “like animals” to have carried out such violence at a primary school where children were present. While on the scene, the media house saw Ministry of Education officials including Permanent Secretary Lisa Pristana and highranking police officers including Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy among those present.
Hanley was pronounced dead on the scene. Her body was removed by workers from the Liamigua Funeral Home. It was also gathered that some children were on the premises when the incident took place. After the victim’s body was removed from the scene by the funeral workers and the police tape taken down, a small number of children were seen leaving the compound in the care of adults, using another gate away from the crime scene area sometime after 6:00PM.Via a press release on Wednesday 15th February, police informed that the fatal shooting was under investigation.
Police say investigations thus far have revealed that at approximately 4:10pm gunshots were heard in the vicinity of the Irish Town Primary school. The statement went on to say: “As part of our enhanced operations and Community Policing efforts, officers on patrol in the area were able to respond immediately.
A chase and search ensued. Several suspects were apprehended and are presently in police custody.” Reportedly, items of evidential value were also recovered.“The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force would like to thank the general public for its cooperation and assistance in our efforts to combat all acts of violence in the Federation.
We extend deepest condolences to the bereaved families. You can be assured that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the police statement also commented. Front Banner Image: A look at the Irish Town Primary School from behind the police tape which cordoned the crime scene following the deadly shooting of 51-year-old Dahlia Hanley on Tuesday 14th February 2023.
Police officers can be seen on the premises while a Liamuiga Funeral Home vehicle (right end) is parked outside after workers entered the compound to collect the deceased’s body. (Spokesman Snap) Sanitize / Wear Your Mask / Wash Your Hands
