St. Maarten authorities have released more details about the Jamaican man arrested in connection with the stabbing deaths of a South Carolina couple. Prosecutors only identified the man by his initials, M.K.J, which is common in the Dutch Caribbean territory. The 28-year-old wounded an officer while resisting arrest and was later “reluctant to answer critical questions” during interrogation. He will appear in court today for a hearing on whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence to hold him in jail.
The bodies of Michael and Thelma King were found inside their Ocean Club Resort condo last Friday. Both appear to have died from stab wounds. Michael King, 53, was found draped over a chair while Thelma, 57, was found tied to another chair. The motive for the slayings remains unclear.
"St. Maarten is and will always be a nation that is close-knit and where people from all over the world come to visit and live. Therefore I am in deep distress upon learning about the horrible acts which have tainted our country," Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the couple found murdered.”
The Kings owned a restaurant in St. Maarten and a sports bar in South Carolina. They were also reportedly starting a rum distribution company in St. Maarten.
###
Click here for more World News
