GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten — The two suspects that robbed Oro Diamante Jewelry store on Front Street on August 5 and killed Police Sergeant Gamali Benjamin – J.L. and R.D. – will be in court for a pro forma hearing on November 9. 23-year-old R.D., a local rapper who goes by the name of Kilo Gotti was arrested after shooting the officer in his attempt to escape on the same day.
Police shot the rapper in the stomach and knee before arresting him near the old fire station on Cannegieter Street. Second suspect J.L fled after the robbery and went into hiding for a couple of days. Police found the second suspect J.L at a home in St. Peters on Tuesday, August 11.
Police Chief Peter de Witte informed this newspaper that the officers that were on the scene with Benjamin on August 5, had to undergo psychological treatment and are back on the job with the exception of one who is on sick leave.Unconfirmed rumors that Benjamin was hit by a police bullet have also reached the prosecutor’s office.
“I have heard the rumors but the forensic investigation is still ongoing and the ballistic report did not come back as yet,” press prosecutor Karola van Nie says. “The pro-forma hearing is set for November 9 and the investigation is still ongoing. At this point I am not ruling out any more arrests,” stated the prosecutor.
Officer Benjamin was laid to rest on August 13 – the first police officer who died in the line of duty in St. Maarten
