Former Judge Charged with Murder of 15-Year-Old Janelika Romney

The idyllic twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis was shaken to its core on June 16, 2025, with the disappearance of 15-year-old Janelika Romney from her home in New Guinea. Her vanishing sparked an immediate and frantic island-wide search, mobilizing law enforcement, community groups, and concerned citizens who combed the landscape, desperate for any sign of the missing teenager. The case quickly gained national attention, transforming from a missing person investigation into a chilling symbol of the pervasive threat of gender-based violence and the vulnerability of young people. The outpouring of public concern reflected not only the collective anxiety for Janelika’s safety but also a growing demand for more robust action against these societal ills. As days turned into weeks, the hope of finding Janelika alive dwindled, replaced by a gnawing fear that the worst had occurred.

On June 26th, a glimmer of hope turned into a stark realization as Selwyn “Judge” Pringle, a 64-year-old resident of Dieppe Bay, was apprehended and charged with Kidnapping and False Imprisonment in connection with Janelika’s disappearance. This arrest, while providing a potential lead, did little to alleviate the mounting sense of dread that permeated the nation. The arrest fueled speculation and intensified public pressure on the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) to uncover the truth behind Janelika’s vanishing. Candlelight vigils were held, posters bearing her image were plastered across the islands, and social media buzzed with theories and demands for justice. The name Janelika Romney became synonymous with a nation grappling with the dark underbelly of its seemingly tranquil existence.

The investigation into Janelika’s disappearance continued relentlessly, with the RSCNPF working around the clock to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to her vanishing. The weeks that followed were filled with agonizing uncertainty for Janelika’s family and the community. Every passing day brought renewed appeals for information, pleas for her safe return, and a growing sense of collective responsibility to protect the nation’s youth. The small island nation, normally known for its peaceful atmosphere, was now united in a collective plea for answers and justice. The case became a national obsession, dominating headlines and conversations, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for societal change.

The darkest fears were confirmed a month later, on July 17th, when the results of a post-mortem examination conducted by a team of forensic pathologists, including Dr. Shanedelle Norford-Harry, Dr. Adrian Nuñez Quintana, and Dr. Nordica Phillip, revealed the horrific truth: Janelika Romney had been brutally murdered. The autopsy report detailed multiple stab wounds, painting a grim picture of the violence inflicted upon the young girl in her final moments. This devastating news shattered the remaining hopes for her safe return and plunged the nation into mourning. The confirmation of her death transformed the atmosphere from anxious anticipation to profound grief and outrage.

With the cause of death confirmed, the investigation shifted gears. The existing charges against Selwyn Pringle were upgraded, and he was formally charged with the murder of Janelika Romney. This development marked a critical juncture in the case, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a highly publicized and emotionally charged legal battle. The nation held its breath, bracing for the arduous journey toward justice. The upcoming trial promised to be a defining moment for St. Kitts and Nevis, an opportunity to confront the root causes of such violence and to demand accountability.

The murder of Janelika Romney has become a watershed moment in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis. Her case has laid bare the vulnerabilities within the community, ignited a national conversation about gender-based violence and the protection of children, and underscored the desperate need for stronger legal frameworks and societal changes. The trial of Selwyn Pringle will undoubtedly capture international attention, putting the spotlight on the Federation’s justice system and its capacity to deliver a fair and decisive verdict. The eyes of the world are now fixed on St. Kitts and Nevis, watching how the nation navigates this challenging chapter and emerges from the shadow of this tragedy. The pursuit of justice for Janelika Romney has become a symbol of the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its future generations and creating a safer, more just society for all.