Police Suspect Ladyville Murders are Drug-Related

Police suspect that the murders of Shakeem Ferguson and Elroy Bainton in Ladyville are drug related. 

Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero said both men were together before the shootings, and investigators believe the same assailants carried out both murders.

Romero said police responded to a shooting incident around 5:30 Sunday evening on Joe Lewis Road. Officers found “the lifeless body of a person identified as Shakeem Ferguson,” he said. “He had multiple gunshot injuries.”

Romero added, “We have information that it is drug-related, and he was targeted as he was going to his house.

When asked if drugs are becoming a growing concern in the Ladyville community, Romero said previous incidents did not indicate so. However, he added, “For this one, that is the motive we have established,” as he referenced the suspected drug motive.

Romero confirmed that about 30 minutes later, Ladyville police responded to a second shooting on Yellow Tail Street. That incident claimed the life of Elroy Bainton.

Romero said the murders are believed to be connected. “These persons were together prior to their shootings at Yellow Tail Street,” Romero said. “Shakeem left; he was followed, and then they came back for Bainton.”

He confirmed police are “seeking two suspects and a vehicle” for Ferguson and Bainton’s murder. Romero said both men were “part of a group in Ladyville.”

Romero added that the police department will enforce patrols to monitor the tension in the area.