Second suspect charged in 2024 murder of teenager

A second suspect has been charged and remanded in connection with the 2024 shooting death of 13-year-old Melchizedek Gilbert Tixcy.

After nearly two years on the run police have charged 20-year-old Merkyle Cooper of Desruisseaux, Micoud, with the capital offence.

Tixcy was shot and killed on July 31, 2024, at his residence in Blanchard. One suspect was arrested and charged shortly after the incident, while a second suspect remained at large after fleeing the country.

Superintendent Stephen Victorin, who has responsibility for the Southern Division, confirmed that Makalay Simon of Blanchard, Desruisseaux, was arrested on August 8, 2024, and charged with murder in connection with Tixcy’s death. Simon was subsequently remanded in custody at the Bordelais Correctional Facility, where he remains.

Police say Cooper escaped the island following the killing and evaded authorities for an extended period. His arrest came recently on the island of Dominica, where he was apprehended for possession of controlled drugs.

Through inter-agency cooperation, Cooper was returned to Saint Lucia and placed in local police custody on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

On Monday, January 25, 2026, Cooper was charged with Tixcy’s murder. He appeared before the Second District Court the following day, Tuesday, January 26, 2026, where he was remanded in custody at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.

The article Second suspect charged in 2024 murder of teenager is from St. Lucia Times.