According to Ms. Frank, she and Modeste were in a three-decades-long domestic relationship which had its fair share of turbulence. Although sustaining numerous lacerations to her arms and head, Modeste says the police should not have killed the father of her children.

“I want justice for him. I never asked anybody to kill him for me, so I want to know what’s going on,” Frank said in an interview with the media. “Up to now, no police officer has come to tell me anything. I don’t know what to do, but I will take my step.”

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has, however, released a statement on the shooting. According to them, Modeste attempted to escape, injuring two officers in the process. Human Rights Activists have since called for an investigation into the shooting.

Officer with responsibility for the Southern Division, Acting Commissioner Charlery says an investigation has been launched into the shooting of Sylvester Modeste. This, he explains, is standard procedure.

“We will allow the unit to complete the investigation. The investigation will determine whether or not there was a breach in procedure as it rates to dealing with a prisoner.  If someone dies, be it by an act of crime or police intervention, we believe that’s one person too many that we have lost in Saint Lucia,” ACP Charlery explained.

Modeste was one victim of four police killings for the year 2023.