PM Browne Says Villa Teens’ Deaths Not Gang-Related as Inquest Concludes
The inquest into the tragic deaths of 17-year-old Omarie Lewis and 18-year-old Brianna Clarke in Villa has been completed, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne indicating that the findings do not point to gang-related violence.
Speaking on the matter, Browne said he has been briefed on the conclusions of the inquest but will await an official update from the police before disclosing further details. He emphasized, however, that the deaths were not connected to gang activity or gun violence.
Last week, authorities confirmed that two persons of interest—a 19-year-old and a 24-year-old—are currently in custody as investigators continue probing the double homicide.
Lewis and Clarke, both of Hand Street, were found unresponsive outside their residence in Villa following reports of a shooting around 10:30 a.m. two Thursdays ago.
Officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Serious Crimes Unit, Forensic Evidence Recovery Unit, and the St John’s Police Station responded to the scene.
Both teenagers were later pronounced dead by a medical doctor at 11:53 a.m. and 11:54 a.m., respectively.
Police are continuing their investigations and are appealing to members of the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the CID at 462-3913 or call the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).
All information will be treated with the strictest confidence, authorities said.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/04/05/pm-browne-says-villa-teens-deaths-not-gang-related-as-inquest-concludes. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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