ROYAL POLICE FORCE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Office of Strategic Communications – STRATCOM

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLICE CHARGE 18-YEAR-OLD WITH MURDER OF SWETES BUSINESSMAN

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The police have arrested and charged 18-year-old David McDonald of Golden Grove in connection with the murder of 60-year-old Mordecai Eleazer Francis of Swetes.

Francis was fatally shot at Risk Takers Supermarket in Freeman’s Village on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., police received a report of a shooting at the supermarket and responded to the scene. Francis, who was the owner of the establishment, was found unresponsive inside the business with apparent gunshot wounds.

Investigations into the incident were subsequently conducted by the Serious Crimes Unit and other members of the Criminal Investigations Department.
As a result of those investigations, McDonald was arrested and formally charged with murder.

He is expected to appear before the court sometime this week.

The Police Administration expresses appreciation to members of the public for their continued cooperation and assistance.
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