47-year-old Vermont man shot multiple times, succumbs to injuries

The sounds of gunshots are not an uncommon feature of the typical night in Vermont, but the ones that rocked the neighbourhood last weekend left 47-year-old labourer Collie Dexter Joseph dead.{{more}}

Joseph, also known as CJ by his friends and family, was shot multiple times behind his house shortly after 8:00 p.m.

The father of four was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

A visit to the scene where Joseph was attacked showed what is believed to be the result of shotgun blasts on the side of his home, as well as broken glass from a window which was partially shot out.

Residents of the South Leeward village recall hearing two loud shots then a pause; this was followed by a series of shots in quick succession.

“We hear gunshots round here all the time, but by the sound of them bullets, you coulda definitely tell that somebody get murder,” said one villager, who did not want to be identified.

“….Because the sound of it, was like it was a rage, I say that person dead.”

SEARCHLIGHT understands that police recovered shell casings from more than one weapon at the scene.

Friends and relatives of the dead man gathered at his home on Sunday afternoon, where his girlfriend, who was in no condition to speak to SEARCHLIGHT, was being consoled.

Joseph was described as a brave individual, who would have stood up against and fought with his attacker, before being mortally wounded.

According to the villagers, the majority of persons are uncomfortable with what is taking place in their community, but most are too scared to speak up.

One person said that some residents have imposed curfews on themselves, and are calling for a greater police presence in the community.

“Right now, a lot of things happening in Vermont; everybody is scared about what is happening, but nobody is saying anything,” one person explained.

“Even though people might know, they just tight-lipped, because people are afraid and just don’t want to give out any information. We have a lot of unsolved incidents in here,” said another.

Vermont was the centre of attention in May 2009 when two Vermont residents and a Barbadian fugitive were shot and killed by police officers during Operation Vincy Pac.(JJ)