During the robbery, Catherine Pickering, 67, was shot in the head and died a day later.

According to reports, Richardson was an employee of Big Brothers Gas Station in Baughers Bay. The gas station is owned by the family of the late Pickering.

Police had stated that initial reports indicate that a local businesswoman arrived home at Paraquita Bay around 7:30 pm with her day’s proceeds when she was approached by someone demanding money.

The victim, the mother of the businesswoman, then attempted to exit the home when she was shot.

The assailant or assailants made off with a bag containing a sum of money.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), in a statement today, April 22, 2021, said three other persons held for questioning into the murder have been released pending further investigations.

CoP confident in investigating officers

“As a result of the dedicated work of the RVIPF, we were able to bring four persons into custody. One of the four has today been charged. My detectives continue to move meticulously through the inquiry process to ensure no stone is left unturned. I have full confidence in the officers currently in charge. There is no doubt in my mind that they are more than competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy”, Commissioner of Police Mark Collins said.

Mr Collins also made an appeal during a public broadcast this morning, April 22, 2021, for the community’s support in the recent murder.

In his statement, the newly sworn-in Commissioner expressed his desire to see all the individual or individuals responsible quickly arrested and brought to justice.

Issue of confidentiality an international issue- CoP Collins

“I know there are concerns with reporting information to police. This is not only locally but it is an issue internationally. However, I can assure you that whatever information you pass on will be dealt with confidentially. I can also assure you that if any of my officers breach the standard of confidentiality they will be dealt with according to the code of conduct,” Commissioner Collins noted.

The Commissioner said that he personally visited with the daughter of Catherine Pickering yesterday and gave his reassurance of the RVIPF’s commitment to finding the perpetrators.

The Commissioner invites persons who may have information into the identity of the perpetrator or perpetrators in the incident to contact the Major Crime Team at 368-5682 or the Inspector Vernon Larocque directly at 368-9809. Persons can also call the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

According to reports, Shemar Richardson, right, was an employee of Big Brothers Gas Station owned by the family of the late Catherine Pickering.

Newly sworn in Commissioner of Police Mark Collins has said he has full confidence in the officers currently in charge of the investigations into the robbery and murder at Paraquita Bay on April 18, 2021 and that there is no doubt in his mind that the officers are more than competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy.