Published 16 June 2017
Kidnap victim found in abandoned house
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – GILDA RAWLINS-VAUGHAN, the woman who was on Friday morning (Oct 28) kidnapped and held to ransom, was found by police this morning (Oct. 29) in an unoccupied house at the junction of East Park Range and Park Street opposite the building that houses the National Housing Corporation.
SKNVibes learnt that members of the police force, who have been working assiduously to find Rawlins-Vaughan since they got wind of her kidnapping, had launched both covert and overt operations and finally succeeded in finding her sometime before 5:00 a.m.
This media house also learnt that the police had subdued and arrested two men who were in the house, within which three firearms and a number of ammunition were found.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DPC) Stafford Liburd declared that he would not make any statements at the time because investigations were ongoing, but indicated that a press release would soon follow.
However, this afternoon, SKNVibes received a press release from the Communications Unit of the Prime Minister, which stated that DPC Liburd said the operation was launched at 3:15 a.m., and after being rescued the victim was immediately taken to the Joseph N. France General Hospital where she was medically examined and later released.
The release further stated that the two men in custody are Jermaine Riley of Soho and Ali Percival of Cardin Avenue, and that the ammunition found totalled more than 75.
A third man is also in custody assisting police with their investigations.
In a text message, husband of the kidnap victim, Larry Vaughan said, “Thanks to everyone who had us in their prayers. Gilda was extracted from a raid this morning and four were apprehended.”
Information reaching SKNVibes yesterday indicated that criminals had kidnapped the Vaughans and demanded that the husband go to the FirstCaribbean International Bank where he is employed and return with an undisclosed sum of money before his wife would be released.
The release noted that the two men had entered the Vaughans’ Sea View Housing residence and removed them from the premises. And at about 5:30 a.m. the husband was release on the Kim Collins Highway.
“The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force expresses thanks to all those who have assisted in the investigation and the safe return of the victim. The Security Forces regret the action of the perpetrators and the stress caused to the victims and family as well as the unfounded speculations that ensued,” the release read.
