The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has charged an additional male suspect in relation to the armed robbery that took place at the House of Luxury Jewelry Store at Tortola Pier Park in July 2023.
The suspect, identified as Vernon Bernard, 32, of Manuel Reef, has been charged with Robbery, Handling Stolen Goods, and Possession of the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct. Bernard is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court at the next available sitting.
He joins 35-year-old Shamul Mitchell and 27-year-old Jelani Marquis who have also been charged in relation to this incident.
PREVIOUS CHARGES
This is not Bernard’s first run-in with the law.
Back in 2018 he was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Taking Conveyance, related to the murder of Trumayne “Passion” Daway.
Ultimately, however, he was found not guilty when a judge ruled in favour of the defence stating that he upheld a no-case submission after considering the evidence presented by the prosecution.
He said that the evidence simply was not strong enough to proceed with a case against Bernard and his co-defendants.
THE ROBBERY
The robbery occurred in July 2023 when the RVIPF responded to reports of an armed robbery at Tortola Pier Park. Two masked men dressed in white entered a prominent business and made off with jewelry from the showcase. The masked bandits fired shots into the air while making their escape; however, no injuries were reported.
The RVIPF continues to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or can provide any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
Alternatively, persons can give this information anonymously to Crimestoppers at 800-8477.