The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is renewing its appeal for witnesses or information as its mark the one year anniversary of the murder of Cornel Melbourne Francis (inset). Photo: VINO/File

Melbourne, who is also known as ‘Trouble’, was fatally wounded on the night of 9 May 2013 at the Stickette, Long Look. The police found Melbourne’s body with multiple gunshot wounds upon arrival at the scene around 8pm that evening.

Investigations revealed that a single gunman walked from behind the Stickette, approached Melbourne who was sitting with other persons and shot him repeatedly. The assailant then ran off in the direction of Little Dix Hill.

Police are offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Cornel Melbourne Francis.

Lesser rewards will also be paid for information that will assist police in advancing the investigation. All reward payment amounts will be decided upon by the Commissioner of Police.

Detective Superintendent Alexis Charles noted that the investigation continues and will continue until those responsible are brought to justice. “While the response to our earlier appeal was good, we still need more help from the public. Progress has been made in the investigation and there is a determination by investigating officers to progress it even further but the need for more information is critical. This was a cold calculated killing and the person who did it is still living among us,” he said.

The Superintendent shared that programmes offering reward money and witness protection are ready and available for those who will come forward with this information. He also noted that Police have secured a number of convictions recently where witnesses have come forward and are being protected under the Witness Protection Scheme.

Detectives in this case suspect that information that could advance the investigation may be held by those with knowledge of the local criminal community.

Melbourne’s mother, Ms. Eileen Dunning, shared her hope that people would be strengthened to take a stand against the evil that lurks within the community. “I know the police are working hard to arrest the person who did this awful thing. But they need the help of the public. Losing Melbourne has been terrible and I will never get over his death,’’ she said.

Ms. Dunning is regularly updated by both the Senior Investigating Officer and the Family Liaison Officer.

People with information are asked to contact detectives from the Major Crime Team directly at 468-5682 or through the RVIPF access number 311. Persons can also call the Intelligence Unit at 468-9339.

The Crimestoppers in Miami also provides persons wishing to give information anonymously an opportunity to do so. Call 800-TIPS, 800-8477.