BASSETERRE/PHILIPSBURG, AUGUST 1ST 2017 – A Grenadian who was arrested in St. Kitts over the weekend, is also suspected of committing more murders after his escape 17 months ago in St. Maarten.
Kathron Fortune, also known as “Cuchi,” escaped from prison guards in St. Maarten in February of last year and was caught by St. Kitts police with a high powered rifle and scope, a bullet proof vest, a backpack containing a quantity of cured marijuana, hashish (a marijuana derivative) and US currency.
According to the St. Marten Herald, Cushi is also suspected for being involved in a number of murders which took place after his release on the island.
“The most recent suspicion had to do with the disappearance of Luis David “Blanco” Sarante-Diaz and Erwin Rosario “Eggy” Contreras. The two men were last seen on Monday, December 5, 2016, after they entered a hotel room at Simpson Bay Resort and Marina. Kathron’s brother and another suspect are currently in pre-trial detention for their role in the crime.
The convict escaped on Monday, February 15, 2016, during a scheduled visit to the doctor’s office of Dr. Paul de Windt, located on Welgelegen Road in Cay Hill,” said the Herald.
The daily publication said Cushi was serving a 21-year prison sentence for a murder he committed on the Dutch side of the island. During his escape shots were fired, and it is still being investigated how the prisoner got access to a firearm. The prisoner managed to avoid capture even though an intense search was done by the police department and prison guards in the Cay Hill area, where he was last seen.
The St. Maarten Daily Herald reported that the Public Prosecutor in St. Maarten is expected to request extradition of the prisoner, however, he will have to answer for his crimes in St. Kitts first, before being transferred back to St. Maarten to sit out the remainder of his sentence.
He was arrested on July 29th 2017, formally charged and cautioned for possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was also charged with entering the Federation illegally, possession of Marijuana and possession with intent to supply. Other charges will be laid as the investigation continues. He is remanded at Her Majesty’s Prison. The St. Maarten authorities were notified of his arrest.
The Prosecutor Office had posted the reward of NAf. 5000, available to anyone who provided information which led to his arrest.
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