Body of Randolph Crawford Recovered, 4 Men Remain Hospitalized
Randolph Crawford
The body of Randolph Crawford, one of several men involved in a high-speed pursuit and shootout in Corozal District last Thursday, was retrieved from the river near the Nuevo Pueblo Ferry over the weekend. Four men who were also wounded during the exchange of gunfire remain hospitalized with varying degrees of injury. During the incident, Crawford reportedly alighted a sports utility vehicle that was being chased and jumped into the nearby river. He attempted to swim across the waterway, but subsequently went under. His body was recovered on Friday and police say it showed no signs of violence. This afternoon, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero told reporters that the violent shootout is believed to be drug-related. He also said that charges will be brought against the men as soon as they are released from the hospital.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“In reference to the shooting that occurred in Corozal, we have Benigno Loria, Sergio Hall, Akeem Trapp and Stanislaus O’Neil who are still admitted at the hospital, receiving treatment. The body of Randolph Crawford was found at the river the following day. The body was taken to the morgue where it now awaits a post mortem examination. This is an ongoing investigation and as soon as these persons are released from the hospital then charges will be leveled upon them.”
Reporter
“And the scope of the charges, are they ranging from what exactly, attempted murder?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yeah, those are the charges we are looking at, attempted murder and the injuries caused to the victims.”
Reporter
“And in terms of the motive behind this shooting, I know the Minister of Police stated that it was drug-related, but is there any indication at this point that two rival factions may be involved?”
Hilberto Romero
“That is the information we have, yes, that it is drug-related.”
Reporter
“I know the ComPol said last week that the suspects weren’t cooperating, has that changed?”
Hilberto Romero
“Some of them are still admitted at the hospital so we are awaiting when they are released so that we can interview them.”
Reporter
“Are they all in stable condition?”
Hilberto Romero
“Not all of them, one is in critical condition at the KHMH.”
Reporter
“Sir, I know this may be a tricky question, but given the fact that there was a loss of life during this incident, is there any indication at this point whether anyone will be held accountable for Crawford’s death? I mean, he was fleeing a shooting incident.”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes, that is part of the investigation. At the conclusion of the post mortem, we will look at the results and thereafter a determination will be made if charges will be leveled against anyone.”
