The National Security Council has approved a reward of $95,000 for substantial information about the murder of Ashburn Dawson, who was gunned down near the Sunday Morning Well this year.
Mr. Dawson, 30, was shot on March 10 and died later that evening at Peebles Hospital.
Despite investigative efforts by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the shooter has remained at large. Two search warrants were issued in the weeks following the shooting — leading to the arrest of one man — but the suspect was released after a police interview.
In June, Mr. Dawson’s family pledged $5,000 to anyone who could help identify his killer, bringing the total reward to $100,000.
“Someone saw something, someone heard something,” Lena Thomas-Mongra, Mr. Dawson’s aunt, said at a candlelight vigil in March. “I plead and I beg you with everything I have.”
Officers of the Major Crime Team will evaluate any information given by the public to determine if it warrants the full payment or merely a percentage of it.
The reward will only be paid for provable, significant information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the responsible individual or individuals. Tips should support existing and ongoing inquiries by the team.
Police Commissioner Michael Matthews will have the final decision on payment of the reward.
In a press release earlier this year, Mr. Matthews urged members of the community to contact police and not to take matters into their own hands.
“Vigilante justice will not work and will only bring about more incidents, injuries and possible deaths,” he said.
Police ask that anyone with relevant information contact the senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Joe Goff, or a member of his team directly at 368-9809.
All information will be treated sensitively and with the highest level of confidence, police said.
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