SOP calls on police to make big effort to solve murder of Precious

A senior police officer is imploring the local Police Force not to leave any stones unturned as they attempt to solve the murder of 17-year-old Precious Williams.

“As a police, I condemn violence in every form and what happened to Precious, no human being should suffer such indignity. This afternoon, I am calling on my organisation, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force to redouble its efforts to ensure that enough resources are channelled towards the investigation of the death of Precious Williams,” Superintendent of Police, Trevor Bailey said yesterday as he addressed the students of the West St George Secondary School at a special assembly.

Precious, whose body was found on May 12 stuffed in a bag that had been dumped in a gutter at Murray’s Road, was a student at the school. She was hailed by members of staff for being an exceptional athlete.

Bailey, the divisional commander for the South Central Division noted that the entire nation, as well as the rest of the Caribbean and the world are looking on and that, “this is one crime that we have to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice”.

The senior officer said the reputation of the Force will be tarnished if persons are allowed to get away with these crimes and he stressed the importance of investigating the matter in an efficient manner.

The school’s special assembly featured tributes by teachers and students, a dance by Arabesque Dance Company and speeches by the principal, Dianne Williams and former minister of health and friend of the Williams family, Luke Browne.

Precious’ adoptive mother, Jillian ‘Ras’ Williams was also present at Thursday’s special event.

Bailey expressed condolences to Williams on behalf of the Commissioner of Police and the entire police force.

“I say to the mommy, I say to the school, be patient. Sometimes it doesn’t happen by the clap of a hand. We need to make sure that when we collect evidence, it is collected properly, and that it can withstand the test of time in a law court so be patient with the investigators,” he said.

Speaking directly to Williams, Bailey added “they may come to you, mommy; they may come to you several times. Be patient, cooperate with them”.

Though Precious’ body was found on May 12, she was identified by friends on May 16 only after photos of tattoos and a chain found with her were released by police.

An autopsy carried out on that same day revealed that a cut to the throat contributed to her death. The body also bore evidence of multiple other wounds that reflected injury by a sharp object.