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Darien resident Gavin Hapgood, 44, a UBS financial adviser, was arrested for alleged manslaughter after the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) launched an investigation into the death of Anguilla resident Kenny Mitchell, 27, on April 13.
The medical examiner ruled Mitchel's causes of death to be prone restraint, a technique that reduces a person's ability to breathe, positional asphyxia and blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and torso. Hapgood was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He is expected to return to the island for court proceedings on Aug. 22.
Hapgood was charged with manslaughter and released on a $74,000 bond, which reportedly sparked anger with local residents who are now demanding that he return to the Caribbean to face justice. A police spokesman reportedly told the Associated Press this week that Hapgood’s two daughters were in the room when Mitchell was killed.
On Thursday night, Kelcey Kintner, a spokesperson representing Hapgood said that the incident was a case of self-defense.
“Attacked without warning in his family’s hotel room by a maintenance worker who was armed and demanding money, Scott Hapgood acted in self-defense to protect the lives of his young daughters and himself.
“Despite false reports to the contrary, the Hapgoods never called maintenance. Neither invited nor expected, the worker showed up unannounced in uniform at the hotel room, claiming he was there to fix a broken sink before carrying out his sudden, violent attack on the family.
Kintner went on to call Hapgood, “a dedicated father and husband and respected member of his community, Scott and the members of his family have been traumatized by the assault they survived and are thankful to be alive.”
The Royal Anguilla Police Force said members of its department were called to the West End of Anguilla shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, for "an incident that resulted in the death of a resident of Anguilla."
Mitchell was reportedly a maintenance worker at a hotel in the West End of Anguilla where Hapgood and his family were staying.
Police said that Hapgood was arrested on Tuesday, April 16 and appeared before the magistrate court the following day, where bail was initially declined. Hapgood was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison until Monday, April 22.
A representative from UBS told Page Six “we are aware of the recent events in Anguilla and are following the situation closely. As you will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for us to provide any comment in relation to an active criminal proceeding.”
The news caused uproar and vitriol on the RAPF Facebook page, prompting this post:
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force acknowledges the fact that people want information in respect of the recent arrest and charging of a US tourist, however, like all investigation, these are not conducted on social media. These matters are now before the court and are sub judicial. The comments being made on the RAPF facebook have no foundation in fact and are likely to incite racial hatred and can prejudice a jury especially since they will be chosen from among the community of Anguilla.”
RAPF Police Commissioner said that “the RAPF has executed their function and likewise both courts adjudicated over the matter. This matter is now before a competent court and the law should be allowed to take its course without interference. I am aware that members of the public have different views on the issue and you are entitled to your respective views and I respect your views, I also respect your fundamental rights of freedom of expression, all I am asking Is that you do not say or do anything that can jeopardize the case and let the process take its course.”
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