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Franklin E. Penn Jr & 11-y-old Trinity A. Thomas are murder victims

- Third person shot Romona Moses is said to be improving
Two persons, Franklin E. Penn Jr (left) and Trinity A. Thomas (right) were killed when gunmen opened fire on a vehicle at West End, Tortola on November 22, 2017. Photo: VINO/Facebook
The injured woman Romona Moses, 36, remains a patient at Peebles Hospital. Photo: Facebook
The injured woman Romona Moses, 36, remains a patient at Peebles Hospital. Photo: Facebook
The vehicle in which three persons were in when they came under heavy gunfire while on the western end of Tortola on November 22, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
The vehicle in which three persons were in when they came under heavy gunfire while on the western end of Tortola on November 22, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- More details are emerging on the heinous murder of two Virgin Islands (VI) residents on the western end of Tortola on Wednesday November 22, 2017.

Police reported that the vehicle the victims were in was on the West End public road in the area of the graveyard around 9:30 PM when at least two scooter riders rode up to it and fired indiscriminately.

The death of a child

The VI crime and gun cultures have also hit a new low with the brutal, unfortunate, reprehensible, sad and unforgivable murder of St George’s primary school student, 11 year old Trinity A. Thomas.

The minor was at the time sitting in the back of the SUV, when she was hit by gun shots. Her death has sparked outrage from parents, teachers, social workers, civil society, the media, the Police Commissioner and some in the political class.

Young Trinity was preparing for high school next year, according to family members.

The VI has been rocked over the past two years by a spate of gun crimes and homicides in the tiny British Overseas Territory with a population of approximately 35,000 residents.

It is also our understanding that the shooting victim who survived, Guyanese Romona Moses, 36, the mother of Trinity, underwent surgery yesterday November 23, 2017 at Peebles Hospital and has shown signs of improvement, according to hospital and family sources.

Penn was a public servant

Meanwhile, the other person who died was local Franklin E. Penn Jr, 41, of Parham Town, a senior Air Traffic Controller at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport Tower. He has worked as an Air Traffic Controller for over 20 years. Many staff members at the BVI Airports Authority have been saddened and it’s our understanding that today a counsellor will be on hand at the Agency to provide counselling and support.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News express our condolences to the families of both Trinity A. Thomas and Franklin E. Penn Jr on their tragic loss.

60 Responses to “Franklin E. Penn Jr & 11-y-old Trinity A. Thomas are murder victims”

  • rattie (24/11/2017, 13:06) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
    Vino you are the best rip to both
    • @ rattie (25/11/2017, 07:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      But everyone has it
    • the rock (25/11/2017, 07:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

      U know what hurts the most, the low life skumb bags are reading this, u all piece of sh*ts, Your mother's got to be feeling so worthless now, Even if they don't know u did this, the universe will send them the vibes!

  • the rock (24/11/2017, 13:24) Like (56) Dislike (3) Reply
    whoever did this needs to be hanged, no long talk, someone close to this family has to know who the killers are, there is no way in hell this kind of barbaric act is unknown, I pray that the mother survives and says what she knows, of course she will have to move away for her safety, after all she lost her daughter cant get no deeper than that!
    • Dale (01/12/2017, 12:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am franklin friend for yrs and obviously shocked at his and Young trinity .i would like to Establish contact to send symphathy cards for both families please help me i am from Barbados
  • Foriegn (24/11/2017, 13:28) Like (16) Dislike (12) Reply
    So where is the photo of the other decease. Anyway this is very, very sad indeed. Young men put down the gun and turn to the almighty. Allow him to lead the way.
    • Lord o (24/11/2017, 15:09) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      The BVI has become the City / Country of greed and selfishness where almost everyone will do anything for money...Money and greed is the root of all our evils... This is sad
    • @ foriegn (24/11/2017, 16:40) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      Look again dread
  • BVI STRONG (24/11/2017, 13:47) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    The bvi need to be more concerned about the senceless crime than a picture of the 11 year old


    Rip
  • pat (24/11/2017, 14:12) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    Whoever killed ms Thomas needs their balls cut off in public this is crazy mehson
    • rip (24/11/2017, 14:39) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      This makes me so sad and angry. My heart is breaking for the victims and their family. The persons who did this are soulless cowards.
    • @ pat (24/11/2017, 14:58) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
      Why you assuming only a male could do this?
  • ... (24/11/2017, 14:27) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is so sad to kill a child the killer needs a firing squad in the middle town
  • Sigh (24/11/2017, 14:45) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    what a pretty girl she didn't even get a chance to blossom and grow, RIP beautiful girl!!!
  • 25 yr old (24/11/2017, 15:03) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lock them up and throw away the keys. Im sick and tired of them.

    I cannot begin to understand how these people are capable of committing such crimes. These weren't always bad people. They went tp school with me, they went to school with you. What happened that made these people the way they are. How can they get to a point in their life that is so low that allow them to committ acts like these. The BVI is a fortunate place. There are scholarship programs, easily accessible jobs, everyone once they put their mind to it can accomplish something great with their life.

    Have we as a people, forgotten to look after our people? Can we parent and not be friends with our kids and teenagers. This had to start somewhere along the lines of their youth or early adulthood… tell your children no, no to picking bad friends, in fact monitor your children's friends. Your child should not be able to pick up any and everybody as firned. Know your childs friends' parents. Who are they? What do they do? Enroll your child and teenagers into prgrams that develop them and set them up for a path of success. Pick tour children up on time and speak with their teachers. Stop allowing your children to do as they please.

    We have to do better as a people. Raise your kids right. It may seem as if im putting the blame on the parents but someone has to raise these kids to become prductive citizens. Once we allow them to riase themselves or relax our parenting ways we allow them to do pick up and nuture bad habits.

    Friends, look out for your firends. Ig you see them doing something bad, call them out on it. Be the 'boring friend' and dont allow them to destroy their life and lives of the innocent.
  • BVI'-Upward Always!! (24/11/2017, 15:05) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    Until bold,even uncomfortable actions are executed in homes, borders and on sea such incidences will occur again in not too long from now.

    War has been enacted on the joint, dime bag and hillside patch, and to many a waste of tax money.

    A real war with emphasis on gun interdiction and confiscation with life sentences should be the new norm, period.

    After all, weed do not kill, guns in the hands of ignorant and evil minds do.

    RVPF needs to get out of the weed patch and into the gun crates.

    Get caught with a gun, go to jail for life. Get caught smuggling firearms, enact the death penalty.

    Search and seizure laws with teeth and big bite are required right now.

    A state of emergency must be declared giving authority to full entrance and search capability of any and all homes, cars, bikes, yachts boats and planes.

    Bring the war to the peddlers, smugglers and dealers of weapons of war, death and family destruction.

    The hell with curfew. Wake them out of bed when they least expect search every hole in and out of house, car, motor bike, air plane and boat.

    Touch no non sense action will yield results and change the culture permanently.

    If we do not accept it, take actions that will ensure we never will again.
  • Who. Why? (24/11/2017, 15:06) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    People sort yourself out... Think...The people you are killing are not your enemies. Little misunderstanding doesn't mean that person is your enemy... . How many people lose their jobs, their homes, their cars and other possessions.. Are you going to kill the people that responsible... Go kill the Hurricane and we will applaud u... This killing is so stupid.. Stupes..Or Go and kill the one u may have carry out this hit for...
  • wize up (24/11/2017, 15:07) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I sometimes sit with those that I grew up with back in the 60s: although we a very mindful that progress is a must, what continue to puzzle us is the serious rise in crime in particular crimes committed while using firearms: some person or persons have to know what's going on: some of us sit back until crime comes knocking at our doors: gun crime is no joking matter and we should talk about it: guns are not made in this territory so some one have to bring them in: we asked for tuffer penalties; that was done so what next
  • hunt (24/11/2017, 15:15) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    THE DOGS AND DRAG THEM THROUGH THE STREETS. PEOPLE DON'T LET THIS ONE GO. FRIENDS OF THE FRIEND WHO DID THIS NEED TO BEAT HIS BACKSIDE TO A PULP. THAT JACK A. NEED TO PAY REALLY BAD FOR THIS.
  • Vino too fast (24/11/2017, 15:20) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vino u dropping these news on us so fast we don't have time grasp the real serious news. No time to sinking.. Put some of those irrelevant news on hold and give us the chance to wrap our minds around news like this..
  • They say/streets (24/11/2017, 15:34) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    The streets is saying if the killers don't turn themselves in or people that knows who they are don't give them up to the police, the streets is going to apply street justice.Those fools don't understand they open Pandora's box when they killed that child.
    • wize up (24/11/2017, 17:29) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      @ they say/ street...WOW !!! That a mouth full and food for thought: because we have to protect ourselves, family and property and the police can't be all over: so should we begin to arm ourselves to protect ourselves and I have to struggle with myself and simply pick up firearms.....see what the bvi have come to

    • He said (24/11/2017, 20:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      West man bring in all the guns and one of the boy mother work in the hi court cops know that every time them club them bussing off shots
  • wow (24/11/2017, 16:00) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hope when they find these fools!!! The Goverment rock stone them to death!! Or even hang!! It’s really sad to see an innocent 11 yr life be taken.
  • Jah Don't Sleep (24/11/2017, 16:37) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vengence is mine said the Lord...Judgement for their actions will come..rest assure of that!

    May her beautiful soul rest in peace. And in time may their familes find comfort in this un-necessary lost.
  • open wide (24/11/2017, 16:39) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    The killer still right in the bvi
  • Cuz (24/11/2017, 17:04) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rip Frankie
  • The Phantom (24/11/2017, 17:15) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    No ifs and or buts, I want that killer head on a stick.I am a grown man and this thing rock me to the core. The little angel did not deserve that.
  • 1 (24/11/2017, 17:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    crime does not pay people
  • Observer (24/11/2017, 18:03) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bring back in the UK officers. It appears that these bunch of lawless individuals have little or no respect for the local police therefore let them be controlled by foreign authority. Its a BIG shame that these cowards had to kill these people especially that innocent child. My heartfelt condolences to the families and get well wishes to Ms. Moses.
  • Pit Bull (24/11/2017, 18:04) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    @The Phantom, I feel you on this. I want a piece of that M/%:erG#%/er. Let me find out who it was and I am going to do some serious damage to that person be it man or woman.this is bothering me so much.someone know who did this. Turn yourself in because when your name is dropped, and it will, the Lynch Mob is coming straight for you. STREET JUSTICE STYLE will be served for what you did to that little girl.
    • merry (25/11/2017, 09:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I with you on this one will be eliminated in thrown inot the streets
  • BVI STRONG (24/11/2017, 18:06) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    My prayers go out to the families of that little innocent girl and to Frankie he was my classmate,and to those fools your day shall come and I hope soon.god send blessings for your people.
  • smh (24/11/2017, 18:47) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't know what he did to anyone. Maybe he did something bad that we don't know about but the Franklyn that I knew in High School wouldn't trouble a soul. Most humble and quiet guy around. And then they killed a little girl in the process. This one really has me bothered.
  • Bleeding BVI (24/11/2017, 18:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need some deterent to stall all these senseless act.Imagine what we been thru/Irma-Maria act of distruction &u low.life scum bags doing such heinous acts.BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY NOW!!!!!
  • Ummm (24/11/2017, 18:52) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sooooooooooo how come nobody dry snitching now????????????? Cat got y'all tongue on this one hmmmmmmmmmm
    • Jully (24/11/2017, 20:28) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      Ithe BVI is one of the worst Caribbean country wright now
    • @Umm (25/11/2017, 09:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

      Dry snitching occurs when we know sh*t and right now we dont know sh*t... school children ain saying nothing

  • Hitler (24/11/2017, 19:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A final solution is needed, do it fast before they kill more innocents than my nazi's did!
  • Manabouttown (24/11/2017, 20:14) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    My condolences to the bereaved families and friends. I have condemned this brutal act of violence against our people. I urge our society to assist the police in give information and brings these cowards to swift justice. Let's join hands together as one people and one nation.
  • farmer brown (24/11/2017, 20:19) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Crime crime go away this is my church day
  • Slip knot (24/11/2017, 22:45) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hang them. And anyone else who harms a child.
  • Sherry Moses (24/11/2017, 23:29) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    All heroes do not wear a cape. Sometimes just a shirt and a pair of pants will do. Mr. Todman,you are a hero!! When no one was prepared to get behind the wheel of a bullet ridden vehicle with a blood soaked seat and drive my loved ones and their dear friend to the hospital.....you and your wife were the ones who spring into act and assisted. You tried your best to get them there are soon as you could,and those actions are what saved my sister’s life. When people start being so cruel to each other,it is the few like you that make us believe in humanity. Let your heroism be a lesson to our future generations. Every child needs a hero,someone to look up to. Your children do not have to look far. You are an example of what a true human being is and I salute you. We lost an angel that night but we gained a HERO!!
    • Hope (25/11/2017, 08:33) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sherry, no one knows what you are going through. This is no bed of roses. Yet you find the time to extend your gratitude. I want you to know multitudes hold you and your family in their healing thoughts and prayers. I wish your surviving family member a speedy recovery, and pray with all my heart my perpetrators get caught and face judgement. I extend thesame thoughts to the Penn family. This has rocked our society to the core. Together we will overcome.
  • just asking.... (25/11/2017, 02:01) Like (0) Dislike (23) Reply
    Every body is just emotional right now but what about the ndp who looted and killed the territory?
  • v (25/11/2017, 02:08) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    A flower that never got a chance to bloom. Imagine surviving those hurricanes fighting to survive the aftermath only to be killed so brutal I am really lost with words this is very shocking and disheartening
  • 8th district gyal (25/11/2017, 03:02) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'm sorry but something isn't right with this story
    .
  • the rock (25/11/2017, 07:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    To 8th district girl,,,I don't give a f..k, what's wrong with this storey those heartless bastards needs to be hanged,.
    • 8th district gyal (25/11/2017, 09:11) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      @the rock. I agree with you. And shocked as no persons in their right mind would assassinate a child, Jun Jun plus a mother who is fighting for her life. Lives changed forever. Police needs to press hard so that this travesty doesn't go unsolved. We have lost a family member and loved one.
  • stranger (25/11/2017, 08:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why? Just why?
  • brother (25/11/2017, 08:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if this has to do with alstons murder
  • unknown (25/11/2017, 09:57) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    She better talk cause it was a set up!
    RIP unc Frank
    • lost (25/11/2017, 16:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      If it was a set up, why would she endanger herself and her daughter whom she loved and lost? Please explain that!
  • Innocence Lost (25/11/2017, 10:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am at a loss to describe the depravity demonstrated by this wanton act of violence. The children who knew Trinity have to deal not only with the loss of their friend and classmate, but also the lost of their sense of safety and security.

    I see some of the animals that roam the zoo that is Tortola and I muse to myself not even your mother could love you. There in lies the problem. There is no love in this society. People who love themselves find it really easy to love others. Love is a protective barrier to the ills and sins of a society.

    Please do not allow Trinity's horrifying murder be for naught. BVI please do something!
  • Leoboss (25/11/2017, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. Franklin was my dear friend. I did not know the other persons but my heartfelt condolences to both families. Please find these killers. Frankie my friend I loved you so much.
  • *Hmm (25/11/2017, 11:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I stood over my 9yr old daughter as she slept last nite & felt the tug at my heart thinking on little Trinity. I kissed her, hugged her, felt the warmth of her skin, watched the rise & fall of her body as she breathed & all I could think of is lord how would I cope if I lost her, I would lose my mind. Whomever took that little angel's life will suffer like a Jew without a jacket!!
  • Too much hate (25/11/2017, 16:47) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    My father always told me that when two persons are involved in a crime. It is NO SECRET! Watch and wait, names soon start dropping. But, my question is who raised these demons/monsters??? Something went wrong somewhere! My belief is that this is tied to his brothers death.


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