Funeral Services for Janelika Romney to Be Held This Afternoon

The small island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is shrouded in grief as it prepares to bid farewell to Janelika Romney, a 15-year-old Verchilds High School student whose life was tragically cut short. The upcoming memorial service, scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Antioch Baptist Church, is expected to draw hundreds of mourners seeking solace and demanding justice for the young girl whose disappearance and subsequent murder have shaken the community to its core. Janelika’s vibrant future was extinguished on June 27, 2025, when her lifeless body was discovered in the Whitegate area, just eleven days after she was reported missing. This heartbreaking discovery transformed the initial island-wide search efforts, fueled by hope and desperate prayers, into a collective outpouring of sorrow and a fervent demand for answers.

Janelika’s story is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young people and the pervasiveness of violence that can shatter families and communities. Her absence leaves an unfillable void in the lives of her parents, Khalilia Isles-Stevens and Janel Romney, stepfather Elvis Stevens, grandmothers Ionie Chumney and Sterling Benjamin, grandfather Stedroy Isles, and great-grandmother Violet Isles. Their personal tragedy has resonated deeply within the nation, transforming individual grief into a shared experience of loss and prompting a collective call for action to address the underlying issues that contribute to such senseless acts of violence.

The investigation into Janelika’s disappearance and death led to the arrest of 64-year-old Selwyn “Judge” Pringle of Dieppe Bay. Initially charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment, Pringle faced an additional charge of murder following the chilling results of a post-mortem examination. The autopsy, conducted by a team of internationally recognized and resident forensic pathologists, revealed that Janelika suffered multiple stab wounds, painting a gruesome picture of the violence she endured. This revelation further intensified the public outcry and demands for justice, transforming the memorial service into a platform not only for remembrance but also for a unified call for change.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Janelika’s death have reignited crucial conversations regarding the safety and protection of children and young women in St. Kitts and Nevis. The incident has exposed vulnerabilities within the community and spurred demands for increased security measures, stricter penalties for perpetrators of violence against children, and a more proactive approach from authorities in addressing the root causes of such crimes. The collective mourning for Janelika has transformed into a powerful call for action, demanding that her death serve as a catalyst for meaningful change and a safer environment for future generations.

As the community gathers to remember Janelika, the memorial service is expected to be not just a farewell but a rallying point. It will be an opportunity for the nation to express its collective grief, offer support to the grieving family, and voice the unwavering demand for justice. The service will also serve as a platform to address critical issues surrounding community safety, child protection, and the need for a more responsive and effective justice system. Janelika’s death has served as a tragic wake-up call, prompting the community to confront uncomfortable truths and demand action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The outpouring of grief and support for Janelika’s family underscores the profound impact of her loss on the nation. The memorial service will provide a space for collective healing and reflection, as the community grapples with the senselessness of her death and seeks ways to move forward. While the pain of her absence will undoubtedly linger, the collective commitment to seeking justice and creating a safer environment for all children will serve as a lasting tribute to Janelika’s memory. The nation mourns, remembers, and demands justice, ensuring that Janelika’s story becomes a catalyst for positive change within St. Kitts and Nevis.