UPDATE: Relatives of Francis appeal for justice
Hundreds of persons turned up at the Church of God of Prophecy in Long Look for the viewing and funeral service and then to the Greenland Cemetery where the body was interred.
It was a sad scene as several persons including Francis' mother, daughter and significant other broke down into tears as they viewed the body.
In a moving tribute by one relative, she appealed to persons with any knowledge of who might be responsible for Francis’ death to come forward to assist the police so that justice could be served.
Among those present at the funeral service were Acting Premier Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, who is also the Seventh District Representative; Eight District Representative Honourable Marlon A. Penn; Minister for Communications and Works Mark H. Vanterpool and several members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
Several persons gave tributes including Francis' daughter Elleana M. Francis whose touching words were, "I love and miss you so much daddy. I didn't know that would be the last time I was going to see you that evening but the father which is in heaven he knows best so I leave everything in his hands. I love you daddy, rest in peace."
Francis' life was cut short on the night of May 9, 2013 while at The Stickett in the Long Look community. Four men clothed in black allegedly dealt him several shots in clear view of others. At the time he was said to be in the company of a few friends who were forced to flee the scene as the gruesome drama unfolded.
Cornel Melbourne Francis, who died at the age of 30, leaves to mourn among others, his daughter Elleana, mother Eileen "Cutie" Dunning, father Melvin "Duppa" Francis, soulmate Ellenette Bradshaw, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
See previous article posted on June 8, 2013
Cornel Melbourne Francis to be laid to rest today Sat., June 8
-RVIPF reiterates call for persons with information to come forward; Cash reward being offered
The family, relatives and friends of the late Cornel Melbourne Francis are preparing to close one chapter of their grieving process as his body will be finally laid to rest today, Saturday June 8, 2013.
Francis was brutally murdered on May 9, 2013 while he was in the company of some friends having a casual moment at The Stickett in Long Look. It was alleged that four men fully clad in black had walked up to Francis and shot him several times before making good their escape.
Speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online, the family of the deceased advised that they have finalised all arrangements to have Francis' body laid to rest on Saturday June 8, 2013. The body will be available for viewing from 10:30 A.M.–11:30 A.M. at the Church of God of Prophecy in Long Look. The funeral service will begin immediately following the viewing and interment will take place at the Greenland Cemetery.
That fateful evening had sent shock and despair throughout the Long Look and other neighbouring communities as yet another son of the soil was gruesomely murdered. The murder had also opened many wounds that were beginning to heal following the sentencing of Allen Baptiste and Yan Edwards who were found guilty for the murder of Keri Harrigan. Harrigan was gunned down on March 16, 2011 just opposite from were Francis met his demise in Long Look.
An eyewitness who had said that she was in the company of Francis shortly before he was shot, said she noticed four men fully clothed in black approaching The Stickett and within seconds she heard several gun shots.
Others recalled seeing four men fleeing the scene as Francis laid lifeless on the ground.
According to a press release sent out by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) shortly after the incident, Police questioned several witnesses in relation to the homicide. The RVIPF had said in that press release that the successful apprehension of the suspects in the homicide depended in part on the support of the community. “Therefore the RVIPF is appealing to the members of the community who may have been in the area at the time of the incident or may have information about the identity of attacker/s, or may have seen a tinted vehicle surveying the area to come forward,” stated the release.
Detective Inspector within the Major Crime Unit Nigel Niven, at a recent meeting with the Hispanic community in East End/Long Look, again appealed for support from the community regarding the investigation into Melbourne Francis’ murder. Niven reiterated Government's commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice through making monies available for rewards.
Persons can contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force at their toll-free non-emergency number 311 and ask for any officer within the Major Crime Team. Persons can also call Crimestoppers on 800-8477 and give information anonymously.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
27 Responses to “UPDATE: Relatives of Francis appeal for justice”
Look at this; the first time the family goes public to announce the burial of their love one look which site they went to...yes VINO. It’s clear that god is on VINO’s side and the two most divisive personalities in the BVI would not stop this site...GOD BLESS VINO.
TO the family my heart goes out in this your time of sorrow. I want the public to please come forward and give the police information we have to ban together and fight crime.