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The murder of 2 brothers: Alston & Franklin Penn

- 3 inmates still on the run following Hurricane Irma prison break
Murdered brothers: From left: Mr Franklin E. Penn Jr, 41, who was gunned down on November 22, 2017 and Alston E. Penn, who was found on Windy Hill, Tortola on the morning of March 10, 2017, after he was beaten to death with blows from rocks to the head. Photo: Team of Reporters/Facebook
The three prisoners still at large after escaping from Her Majesty’s Prison following the passage of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. From left: Santo Yamarco Hernandez, Jose Almestica, and Kareem Hodge. Photo: RVIPF
The three prisoners still at large after escaping from Her Majesty’s Prison following the passage of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. From left: Santo Yamarco Hernandez, Jose Almestica, and Kareem Hodge. Photo: RVIPF
PARHAM TOWN, Tortola, VI- Is it coincidence or was it planned? Our newsroom can confirm that one of the latest murder victims, public sector worker Mr Franklin E. Penn Jr, 41, who was gunned down a few days ago, is the brother of another murder victim, Alston E. Penn.

The bloodied body of Alston E. Penn was found on Windy Hill on Tortola on the morning of March 10, 2017, after he was beaten to death with blows from rocks to the head.

Police have since charged Santo Y. Hernandez, 38, a native of the Dominican Republic (DR), with Alston’s murder.

Now, some nine months later, on Wednesday November 22, 2017 his brother Franklin E. Penn Jr was gunned down on the western end of the island when, according to police, about two gunmen on scooters rode up to the White Suzuki XLR he was driving and pumped several shots into the rental SUV, killing Franklin and an 11 year old school child.

Police have their hands full figuring out the motives for the latest murders, especially the innocent 11 year old Trinity A. Thomas’.

Three prisoners still on the run

Meanwhile, following the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 that resulted in all inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison breaking out of the state owned penitentiary, some three months ago, there are three prisoners not yet recaptured.

Still on the run is Santo Y. Hernandez from the Dominican Republic who was remanded but not yet convicted for the murder of Alston E. Penn.

In addition, USVI native Jose Almestica, who pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in August of 2016, is still at large.

Finally, on the run is United States of America native Kareem Hodge, who is said to be brown-skinned and 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 160-190 pounds.

Up to publication time prison boss David Foot did not respond to messages on his charges.

There are also conflicting reports from the Police and the Minister responsible for the Prison Services Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) as to whether the men are dangerous and pose a threat to the security of residents and law enforcement personnel.

47 Responses to “The murder of 2 brothers: Alston & Franklin Penn”

  • wow (25/11/2017, 11:47) Like (9) Dislike (26) Reply
    So all these months pass before the public is informed that prisoners are still on the loose? Really!!! It takes the death of 2 people including an innocent child for the public to be told thi Strups! This is craziness. Seriously ridiculous!
    • No so (25/11/2017, 12:27) Like (53) Dislike (1) Reply
      http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/man-accused-of-alston-e-penns-murder-among-prisoners-still-on-the-run
    • wow (25/11/2017, 12:31) Like (46) Dislike (3) Reply
      Well OBVIOUSLY you haven’t been keeping up with the news.. It has BEEN announced following the storm that inmates were still at-large. They even reiterated it after some were sent to St. Lucia.
  • Shrek (25/11/2017, 11:49) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    Thanks VINO. People moving round with eyes wide shut. What did these two brothers know? Worth looking into. You may very well be on to something VINO
    • @ shrek (25/11/2017, 14:09) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
      As they correctly said without vino the light of democracy goes out in the bvi

      BAM
  • long look me come from (25/11/2017, 11:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is sad for that family and I heard their father passed away a few months ago also
  • vex (25/11/2017, 12:21) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Could be linked
  • Crime town (25/11/2017, 12:36) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    So curfew or no curfew we doomed in the bvi
    • got that right (25/11/2017, 15:17) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      @Crime town, you got that right.We are doomed with a capital C.
  • 000000000 (25/11/2017, 12:40) Like (15) Dislike (19) Reply
    seriously these prisoners are still on the run? Where are the UK officers are still on the beach or at Mullinguns?
    • Disadvantage Police (25/11/2017, 14:52) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      The Police are at a disadvantage. They have to give a good reason for drawing their Guns, They have to have a good reason for shooting or Else the Police go to Jail and get sued.. So the police has to wait for someone to pull a weapon on them or attack them with a weapon before they can act in kind.. Real disadvantage in fighting crime.. Maybe when a guy playing bad or known to be bad and Police is called , Hand cuff right away eliminate all threats. Investigate after..
      • @ disadvantage police (25/11/2017, 17:16) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
        Looking REASONS to kill black locals YOU better leave that in the uk and the usa
  • mad (25/11/2017, 13:12) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply

    Get mad if you want, you will get over it. All killers here in the BVI should be banish to a Island in the middle of nowhere filled with wild animals and surrounded by killer sharks. At least you don't have to worry about them escaping. The police really need to find the Santo who allegedly killed the younger Penn guy. They need contact law enforcement in St.Thomas and the United States. He might hold the answer to what is going on.

  • yardie (25/11/2017, 14:08) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply

    Hope its not some b**ty man buz

    • Shrek (25/11/2017, 18:32) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply

      My suspicions are just that. Ba*+y man high up afraid of their cover being blown.

      • Pitbull (25/11/2017, 20:15) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        @Shrek, the ....y man is high up but, his cover is already blown. His cover has been blown for a long time. And if b...y man had something to do with it, his A:; is grassed to.
  • We brtter know (25/11/2017, 14:44) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    I heard the BVI have hit men for hire...I guess most places have the same men.. Kill for a living.. Be honest in your dealings. Treat people fairly, when you hurt or kill someone. When you put a person out of a Job or mash up a person's family you have to wash your back...This is the reality..
  • Police need to get serious (25/11/2017, 14:56) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    These Mopeds running through town sometimes two riders no helmets breaking all kind of laws and they are allow to do it..it goes on and on daily This can be a result of Police not been serious with these bike riders...
  • This is Scarey (25/11/2017, 15:02) Like (62) Dislike (0) Reply
    This can happen to anyone of us. How can we deal with two bike men pulling long side our vehicle...At nights im scared to death when im driving and bike men are behind me. We have enemies we dont even know and some times for mere envy and jealousy..None of us is safe...
  • Dont give a $!it (25/11/2017, 15:50) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    Someone knows who pulled the trigger and is keeping their mouth shut. How can you know the person who did this and choose to keep your mouth shut, how can you sleep at nights? I hope when you look in the mirror you see the little girl and Mr.Penn face. I know you the killer is reading these blogs. Just know you are hated and you will get smoked out of the hole you are hiding in and you will face some swift street justice. You better get on your knees and hope the police find you first. As soon as your name pop up, and it will S$!t is on. Just remember $$$ talks. Research what bounty means.
  • qc (25/11/2017, 17:19) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I pray for the penn family
    • the bajan (24/02/2020, 22:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      franklin penn and Trinity need justice and if the killers are Ready this may God bring that to you soon
  • wize up (25/11/2017, 18:06) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    Black on Black crime !!!!
    • Hush (26/11/2017, 13:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Wise up , this is not no damn black on black crime. This is stupid and ignorance crime on crime. We need a cleaner to take out the criminals turn them into chop meat and feed them to the sharks.
      • wize up (26/11/2017, 20:23) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ hush: just a question(name 5 crimes in this territory that includes non blacks and I mean within the past 5 years)...I have to agreement with you someone need to bell them cats because this criminal behavior out of control and the enforcement department not getting much done: why it mostly another black brother shooting or robbing another black brother??(keep the faith)
  • wize up (25/11/2017, 18:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's ironic both brother were killed a conciderable distance from home:
  • BVIslander (25/11/2017, 20:14) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sad to say but we need to establish a black squad in the police force. Maybe bring back hanging or electrocution in the bvi may make a murderer think twice before him/her commits another homicide. just saying.
  • Hypocrites! (25/11/2017, 20:21) Like (54) Dislike (2) Reply
    I don't understand how some of you crying about the increase in crime, when it's the same you all who post on Facebook and circulate on whatsapp that "police around the corner" "police on top the hill" "police by the roundabout" Y'all just sicknin! How is the police suppose to do their jobs efficiently to save you fools when you give the criminals heads up where the "police are" then turn around crying that the police ain't doing their jobs. People like you who do this needs to be arrested!
    • yessssss (26/11/2017, 08:47) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Hypocrites, agree with you 100000%. I bet when they see the police. They signal the other criminals with the bird call or they whistle.
      • True (26/11/2017, 11:34) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
        Not to long ago, I was walking in a certain area. There was a group of boys selling drugs, when the lookout spot the police jeep, he start doing the bird call to let the sellers know the police was spotted. So stop blaming the police. When you hear those boys making certain noises or a certain whistle, that is the code to alert the others that the police is spotted.
    • Might Add (26/11/2017, 22:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly, a bunch of hypocrites. They talking about the police is not doing enough or doing there job. So dirty hypocrites how can the police do their job when you, the same dirty hypocrites is allowing the criminals to stash their guns and drugs in your homes for $$$. Now, when the police approach the snot nose rug rats, they are accused of harassment and the rug rats want to start popping off at the mouth.
  • god sent (25/11/2017, 22:13) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    As far as I'm concerned all criminals are dangerous and when a criminal decided that he is not going back to jail and his back is against the wall. They will do what ever necessary to escape not b caught. If these criminals are still around they may b waiting to do their hit job. Collect their money and leave. No questions should b asked as to wether they are dangerous or not. All criminals are dangerous. As far as I'm concerned it seems as if some people are sacrificing innocent people. The Bible clearly tells us and in these last days the good will b bad and the bad will b good. That is the exact thing happening in the bvi.
  • bike (25/11/2017, 22:13) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Band the motor bikes
    • @ bike (26/11/2017, 01:41) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
      Not on your life
    • wize up (26/11/2017, 14:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ bike: it is not the bikes or the guns; it's the people who use them to commit crime: the people who share these islands with you and I.....
  • WHY? (25/11/2017, 23:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the police doing to catch the prison escapees? How did they escape? Have the escaped been charged? How are the guns getting into our islands? Why our businesses get looted? So many questions and no evidence of leaders being held accountable!
  • wize up (26/11/2017, 14:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ why: the police need to bring back the stop and search on the public roads:
  • I AM (26/11/2017, 17:55) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am all for stop and search.
    • wize up (26/11/2017, 20:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ I AM: under malone stop and search was the order of the day especially on most horse racing days: under malone and Frazer this territory had far less crime and far less officers on duty: some of us know the real reason why the stop and search operations were discontinued: as soon as the U.K. took over that department(out went the stop & search)...we paying the price now because the criminal element among us know that the chance of being intercepted by police is very slim: we have people driving on the highway at night without out lights(much less)
  • WHY? (26/11/2017, 18:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wise up is right. Road blocks are needed and the Premier to ask many questions of his senior people
  • Lb (27/11/2017, 02:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Two other brothers were murdered too. But no story on them. Merlin Caesar and his older brother who was ALLEGEDLY shot by Rodent/Soup and set up by J.
  • hmmmmmm (27/11/2017, 09:07) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Inmates on the run! One is the accused killer of Penn's Brother and now the brother is dead. Hmmm think there is a link? Hmmm He on the run and now the Brother is dead a Possible witness to his brother's death. Hmmm and instead, Police there giving people a hard time with their vehicles while they working to get them fix instead of a man hunt for this guy. He still got to be here. Somebody got to be feeding he short fat behind while he relaxing. A beautiful Baby is now dead, Our National Treasure, and they spend more time in the news than going on the hunt. Leave the people alone and give them 6 months to get things in order while you hunt for the killer and that short fat mingo guy who escape. The other two can go on credit until the jail fix then go get them but this is a murderer accused still out on the run.
  • Online Now (28/11/2017, 09:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The more I read on these blogs, the more I realise just how low the average intelligence is in the BVI and that is why the Territory will not prosper.
  • Vanzetti Sacco (30/11/2017, 02:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Plato or Plumo you know some chit like that.


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