And while the incident happened on Saturday, Jerry Espat's body wasn't found until the next day, riddled with gunshots. But police have no motive and, according to the communications officer, they aren't basing the investigation on any past disputes between the Espat family and their rivals. But what we also noted is that this murder - San Pedro's first in two years - occurred while the OC, Superintendent Chris Noble, is on leave. We asked the police about this today.
ASP Steven Yearwood
"About 9 a.m. on Sunday police received information that Jerry, that there was a body floating in the sea near some Mangroves in that same area believed to be Jerry Espat. It was confirmed that it was Jerry, now deceased. So, investigators are trying to identify these occupants that aggressed them on the sea on Saturday, leading to now a fatal where Jerry Espat lost his life."
"Whatever may have caused that is not exactly known to the investigators at this time but I know that the investigators haven't dropped the ball since these events occurred on Saturday and hopefully we could get to the bottom of this noh."
"This is an isolated incident, this is a murder, this is not oh in the past they have had issues now we have a murder on our hand, and in all fairness to the investigators. I need to give them time so that we do not discount what may have happened or try to run towards a direction that really caused what occurred on this particular occasion, so for me to relay, rely on the past I'm not in that practice,"
Cherisse Halsall:
"Sir, we have to talk about Chris Noble, he's on leave, I don't know if he voluntarily went on leave or if he was put on leave but he's kept the peace on that island for over two years ago and the minute he goes on leave something like this takes place, how do you respond to that?"
ASP Steven Yearwood
"Well, Cherisse I can tell you that in all honesty that's an administration question, but what I can tell you is that on Saturday I spoke to him and he told me that he did request leave and he was granted leave by the overall eastern division commander and he's enjoying his leave, as to whether or not that would have sparked that that may be superstition for us to believe that but I am certain that Mr. Rosado or the commissioner of police can answer the conditions of his leave application. When I apply for leave I apply for it because I need it so probably Mr. Noble believes that he needs it at this time."
"Yes we do have person's detained Duane and Cherisse and as soon as we believe we have enough evidence, whether or not they will be charged that or released will be relayed to you."
But late this evening we learnt that they have arrested one person. 34-year-old Gabriel Villafranco was charged with murder, attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and wounding.
