Dominicans arrested in ‘Gypsy taxi’ killings, rapes, and robberies

St Maarten police gives details of the crimes at a press conference.

In custody are Sherwin Roberts (20), Curtley Richards (31) and Julius Serrant (28) all natives of Dominica. They were arrested on Thursday, April 7, and were considered at the time to be the main suspects of two violent robberies and a rape. Two other people also were arrested, but were released later for lack of evidence.

The solved crimes include the death of Megayacht Cheetah Moon French chef Ludovic Guillevin (37), who was found on Mullet Bay Beach on February 26, and the March 4 killings of F. Louis, who was found on Chopin Road, and E. Nova Valdez, who was found on Alexis Arnell Road.

According to St Maarten police the suspects pretended to be operating a gypsy taxi service to pick up potential victims. At times, they forced the victims into the car, ill-treated them, and would then take them to a deserted place to be robbed and sometimes raped or killed.

Police say the three men who are alleged to be involved in the crime all confessed. They have also been subjected to DNA testing, and Police say they are confident that they have the right men. A black SUV used by one of the suspects was impounded because it matched the vehicle described in the rape case.

According to Police, their investigation shows that Roberts and Richards were actively involved in the violent robberies, the rape and the homicides, while Julius Serrant sold goods taken during the robberies and knew that the other suspects had committed these crimes.

Police Chief Commissioner Peter de Witte said authorities had reason to believe the "gypsy taxi bandits" were responsible for more violent crimes than those for which they have been charged and called on anyone who had been a victim of a violent robbery or rape and had not yet filed a complaint with the police to do so.