Arrest in Jolie William Murder, Probe Continues in Alana Bernard Killing

Investigations are still ongoing to find the person responsible for the death of mother-of-three Alana Bernard.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Mashama Sealy sought to give that assurance as she also disclosed that one person has been arrested in connection with the murder of 20-year-old content creator Jolie William and the attempted murder of her female companion. The two were stabbed at a guest house in Reduit, Gros Islet, on February 21.

Regarding 27-year-old Bernard, who was fatally shot just a few feet from her Corinth home on February 11, Sealy said: “That matter is still under investigation. The officers have not given up. They’re still pursuing investigations very rigorously.”

Her comments came at a police press conference on Tuesday, as concerns were raised about the safety of women in Saint Lucia.

“We do care. We do want to ensure that women in Saint Lucia are safe,” Deputy Commissioner Sealy said.

Superintendent Luke Defreitas insisted that the RSLPF takes matters of violence, regardless of the gender of the victims, with equal seriousness.

He pointed to recent incidents in which police moved quickly to solve violent crimes, including homicides, in which both males and females were victims.

“So it is by our actions we have shown that we very aggressively pursue matters of violence against every gender, not just women…. And I think our actions in the past few months have certainly sent a signal to the public that the police will not sit back and tolerate violence of any kind,” Superintendent Defreitas said.

Addressing the issue of domestic violence, Defreitas added that while police intervention is essential, more long-term solutions are needed beyond arrests and immediate protection.

“We need to also engage our community partners so that we are able to provide protection and shelter for victims – whether male or female – of violence, domestic or otherwise. We need some more long-term solutions that go beyond arrest and protection orders; we need things that go more long term,” he said.

Additionally, the senior lawmen highlighted the continued efforts to equip officers and the public with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and report domestic violence.