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Long Beach robbery cases under review
Published on: 3/30/2009.
A REVIEW of the investigations surrrounding a string of robberies at Long Beach, Christ Church, over the past year is under way.
Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin made the disclosure to the DAILY NATION on Saturday, responding to public concern as to why it took a while before lawmen held anyone in relation to crimes on the deserted beach.
It was after the March 18 death of Canadian visitor Terry Schwarzfeld, following an attack on February 28, that police held an accused, charging him with offences dating back to April and July last year.
Noting that it was "a reasonable question" raised by the public, Dottin said: "These things happen in law enforcement. We are currently relentlessly examining the whole matter to see whether there were any weaknesses in our policing.
"We will certainly learn from the review that is being undertaken. But I want to stress it is a reasonable question."
Schwarzfeld, 60, was walking along the same stretch of beach when she was attacked and struck in the head with a piece of wood and robbed. She died on March 18, two weeks after she was airlifted home in an unconscious state.
Luana Cotsman, Schwarzfeld's daughter-in-law, was also assaulted during the attack but survived.
On March 25 police charged Curtis Joel Foster, 24, of Wiltshire Avenue, Bayfield, St Philip, in connection with Schwarzfeld's death, the rape of another tourist and robberies. (TS)
5 comment found!
Long beach robbery : 3/30/2009
He needs to go to prison for the rest of his life without parole. He is a disgrace to bajans. If you are hard up for money, then go and get a job.
How much longer? : 3/30/2009
This magnificent expanse of beach has been lonely and probably dangerous since the Long Beach condos, pool bar and pool were bought and bulldozed down a few years ago. (Many long time employees were let go). At this point the whole area should be declared off limits to anyone. Perhaps the new owners should take on this responsibility. At any time of day it would be equivalent to walking down a totally deserted street in any North American city - even Ottawa - not a smart choice. Opportunists are everywhere - by using common sense we can avoid them.
Psychic Police : 3/30/2009
The police were not present during these crimes and they are not psychic. People in the area knew who was responsible for these crimes and did not tell the police until someone was murdered.
A longer problem : 3/30/2009
I would like to suggest that they review the cases well beyond one year. As the victim of a robbery there in January 2008, I did not get the feeling that the incident was taken very seriously. Some of the local residents seemed much more concerned than police.
Long Beacah : 3/30/2009
The real question for the police is why no warnings were given about Long Beach when so many persons were attacked there. Had a warning been given the murder might have been avoided.
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