A male suspect, identified by law enforcement officials as the estranged husband of 24-year-old Joy St Omer, has surrendered to police following her fatal shooting on Wednesday night. And authorities confirmed that an active protection order had been in place against him at the time of the killing.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) said the man turned himself in to the Criminal Investigations Department and is now in custody.
Police said officers attached to the Marigot Police Station responded to a report of a homicide in Marigot at about 6:39 p.m. on Wednesday. When they arrived at the scene, St Omer was found motionless in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.
The killing of St Omer, a mother of one from Anse La Raye, has sparked widespread public concern and renewed discussion about violence against women and the handling of domestic abuse complaints.
In its statement, the RSLPF confirmed: “There was an existing protection order in favour of the victim against the suspect at the time of the incident. Additionally, there was an active matter before the court concerning alleged breaches of that protection order.”
“On Sunday, March 8, 2026, a report of assault involving the suspect was made to the Anse La Raye Police Station. Following investigations, the suspect was arrested and subsequently charged on March 13, 2026, for the offences of harm, threatening words, and violation of a protection order. He was brought before the First District Court, where bail was denied. The suspect later applied for bail at the High Court and was granted bail.”
Police also confirmed that the last report made by the victim was lodged at the Anse La Raye Police Station around 8:30 a.m. on the day of her killing. Following that report, searches were conducted to find the suspect but the RSPL said he was not found at the time.
The fatal shooting is now under investigation by the Major Crimes Unit.
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force extends condolences to the family and loved ones of Joy St Omer during this difficult time,” the statement added.
I am reposting from your article — before I post my comment
Additionally, there was an active matter before the court concerning alleged breaches of that protection order.”
“On Sunday, March 8, 2026, a report of assault involving the suspect was made to the Anse La Raye Police Station. Following investigations, the suspect was arrested and subsequently charged on March 13, 2026, for the offences of harm, threatening words, and violation of a protection order. He was brought before the First District Court, where bail was denied. The suspect later applied for bail at the High Court and was granted bail.”
Are you folk serious in St. Lucia ??????? – anywhere else in the world if you violate an order of protection you are sent to jail for said violation – violation of a protective order is a serious crime. Even an idiot knows you are too stay away from the individual. The woman was harmed on March 8th according to your article — a report was made and now she is dead. Let me tell you the laws in St. Lucia are nothing but a JOKE. All I can say is RIP for real. Your article – First District Court denies and then High Court grants – JOKERS 24/7
The police did their jobs. The court – high court, failed us
The police did their JOB. I hope that judge and lawyer are at peace with their actions right now.
Maybe the police should have provided the victim with temporary protection until the Ex was in custody.
The courts continue to fail the people of this country again and again! Shouldn’t the presiding officer of the High Court be held accountable? Unless there is accountability, unfortunately, these events will continue to happen!
@Jay, I believe the institutions of law need to do better but to suggest that it’s only in St Lucia that people violate court order is only in your imagination. In the States or wherever you are people frequently violate court orders and perpetrate these very acts against the victims. So, get the heck from here with your nonsense.
It’s a sad day for society because the system failed this young lady. If the information in this article is accurate, then the police and the courts are responsible for what happened to this young lady. I am angry at this news. Haven’t the authorities learned lessons from other cases of domestic violence? I usually support the police due to the difficult job they do, but this? THIS? THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE….this criminal should never have gotten bail in the first place. STOP THIS VIOLENCE AGAINST OUR WOMEN. Death penalty is appropriate in this case….no two ways about it.
So on what basis did the High Court grant bail to alleged murderer? Who was the presiding officer at the Court at the time? Shouldn’t that ‘judge’ be removed from the bench to ensure that never happens again? Is there any recourse for the relatives? Will the state now be responsible for the child of the victim who is essentially an orphan now? Just some serious questions for thought!
Words can’t express how devasted Ms. St. Omer was. Repeated reports were made and yet still the system failed her. The judge from the High court who granted him bail is to be blamed.
A couple years ago I went to report my sons father, the officer said to me “just give the man his thing” I kept reporting for years when I finally thought I was getting somewhere they said he had not done anything physical so they can’t give a restraining order. Still years later, when he threatened me they took me serious and a few days before they gave me a court date, they said my son had to be present at the court, mind you the child was not involved in the harassment because there was a mutual person assisting with visitation.
Anyways I begged the officer please allow me to go to court, she still insisted my under age son had to be present, I was crushed because it was me between me allowing him to be traumatized by the whole incident that he was unaware of or my life and not getting a break.
And I was doing it alone because I didn’t want any family member to get hurt in the process, but eventually my father and husband got to know and they made him stop and also I had to post his picture everywhere on social media with the hope the embarrassment made him stop. He hates me to this day
I LIVE TO SAY THE POLICE DID NOT TAKE ME SERIOUSLY AT ALLLLLLLL
How could the high court allow this? SMMPH a next murderer is walking around the streets tonight in Marigot!?
And who can handle and out grant the HIGH COURTS only the disrespectful and completely useless DPP? This is disgusting Highcourt bc this man walked into the jail house with his attorney u let his ass walk after he just killed JOY ST. OMAR THE NIGHT BEFORE.
Rip and condolences to the family what a horrendous tragedy, people go to YouTube and watch Jamaica first country first ….his latest video!
Jokers, why do you think we have so many murders? It’s very obvious, the criminals know the law is on their side. Words really can’t describe the pain . It’s really painful with the justice system in St.
lucia. Are we just going to accept condolences after condolences and move on. Imagine the high court granted the criminal nail. For all those who are guilty your day shall come.
@the crow I have posted my opinion the one who needs to get the heck out of here is you for your attack ..you do not know me and I certainly don’t know you. Keep your cyber bullying to yourself I am certainly not the one to even try to humiliate (it shall not it can not and it will not work) in addition where I reside is none of your business. Last I checked this was and hopefully is a public forum and that’s my opinion. Where did I state it was only in St. Lucia ?????….I said violating an order of protection is a crime which warrants arrest…..clearly there was not only a violation of the protective order but also an assault according to the article….please spare me.
High court name should be changed to LOW court who can challenge the HC?, can you post photos of HC individuals? Was this HC a male or female? How is Ans La Ray RSLPD being reprimanded and taught to take better care of their community? SMH
These comments show that we see the real problem. The police did their job and arrested this man multiple times for trying to harm her. The High court then let him out on bail. That makes no sense!!! They are responsible for her death, and they should be held accountable for it. This man had repeatedly shown that he was not going to abide by the protection order. So I just don’t understand what would possess them to let him out on bail!! This is unacceptable. And yet time and time again, multiple offenders of gun, violence and domestic violence are released on bail. Why??? That is where changes need to occur first. Otherwise, the police arresting people does no good and has no impact on crime rates or violence. What is gonna stop them if they know even when they get arrested they’ll just get out on bail. That gives no consequence and no reason for change. So stop letting them out!!!
Some of these same officers beat their partners!! Both male and female so why would the take this seriously.
I am confused at the comments expressing that the police did their job. Did you read the article where it says the young lady once again reported the ex husband the morning of the incident? It has been said he was not in hiding, it is clear he violated the protection order against him yet still he was free enough to murder her that night. Every one of them failed her, i wish she had someone who would meet her after work and stay with her. When these sick men threaten women, believe them. They may seem strong but the reality is their minds are weak, they are weak and this murder can definitely be blamed on weakness and lack of protection for women.