Murder suspect extradited to the BVI from St. Kitts

Andraes Norford being escorted by RVIPF officers at the magistrate court, November 23, 2015

Andraes Norford being escorted by RVIPF officers at the magistrate court, November 23, 2015 Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News

 

Murder suspect Andraes Norford, 24, was extradited to the BVI from St. Kitts on Monday, where he was formally charged for the death of one Melbourne Francis, according to the BVI Police Information Office .

Mr. Norford appeared at the BVI Magistrates’ Court Thursday afternoon, and he was subsequently remanded, police said.

Though the defendant had been living in St. Kitts for two years, he is a former resident of Josiahs Bay, according to police.

According to acting Police Commissioner Alwin James, obtaining justice for the victims of unsolved murders is a high priority for the British Virgin Islands police.

“Many of these matters are painstakingly lengthy to investigate,” he said. “However, the officers diligently sought the persons responsible for Melbourne Francis’ murder and were steadfast until they made their arrest. I highly commend their efforts.”

Police said Mr. Francis was fatally shot near the Stickett in Long Look in May 2013.

24 Year Old Norford allegedly fled the British Virgin Islands (BVI) after the gun murder of Francis .
Two other men – Kavarne Richards and Jefferson Joseph – were initially charged in relation to the murder.
Richards however walked free on July 16 of this year, after Magistrate Ayana DaBreo upheld a no-case submission.
When the case was first mentioned in court, the prosecution claimed that Joseph offered Norford $13,000 to murder Francis.
It is further alleged that, following the shooting, Joseph and Norford had several conversations about what took place, and Norford even admitted that he carried out the gun attack.
Richards, in the meantime, was said to be Norford’s getaway driver on the night of the shooting. But the court did not think he has a case to answer.
Investigations revealed that a single gunman walked from behind the Stickette, approached Francis, who was sitting with other persons, and shot him repeatedly. The assailant then ran off in the direction of Little Dix Hill.

Police were 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 Francis. Lesser rewards were also to be paid for information that would assist police in advancing the investigation.

 

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