A deep sense of grief has emerged in the wake of the tragic shooting of 22-year-old Randy Austin, a jewelry seller whose life was abruptly cut short on Thursday.
Marva Daniel, principal of Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) where he attended, reflected on Austin’s impact in an interview with St. Lucia Times.
Austin graduated in 2020 during their scaled-down event as a result of COVID-19. He was an avid French student and represented CCSS at the Banaré Games in Martinique in December 2019.
“We are deeply saddened that anyone would see the need to take someone’s life. This apparent senseless act of violence forces all of us to be more vigilant in our endeavors. We need to really pray for people to value each other’s lives,” Daniel stated.
On October 10, 2024, at approximately 1:58 PM, police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) responded to reports of a shooting in La Pansee, Castries.
Austin was discovered lying in a motor vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound, having allegedly been shot while driving away after making a jewelry drop. He was pronounced dead by a medical practitioner on the scene.
Friends of Austin shared their shock and sorrow over his untimely death.
“He was always on his own. A true hustler, just focused on his business and making his money. He did not deserve to die this way at all,” one friend remarked, choosing to remain anonymous.
Another added, “I was just planning to buy a ring from him because I knew him. From school, Randy was just positive. We lost a good one.”
Reports from Hot 7tv news revealed that the day before his murder, Austin’s mother received a text message warning her that her son was a target. This unsettling detail has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. Individuals can contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 456-3770 or 456-3817.
Anonymous tips can also be provided by dialing 555 (the Crime Hotline) or by utilizing the RSLPF Crime Hotline Application, available in the Google Play Store.
