By: Gavincia Clarke
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- Confirmed reports indicate that a 2012 Mr. Kool contestant, 21 year old Reece Velton Walters of Cotton Ground has been formally arrested and charged with the murder of Shante Claxton.
An autopsy was performed on the deceased on Saturday, September 13, 2014 by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Valery Vladimir Alexandrov and it revealed that the fifteen year old, Charlestown Secondary School student was strangled.
Walters was later charge for the murder and also attempted carnal knowledge on Shante. He along with two other persons were detained for questioning. However, two were released but Walters remained in custody. It is alleged that the Four Seasons worker was picked up by police after his face and one of his eyes showed signs of violence.
A Police Press Release indicated that Walters admitted to meeting the deceased with the intention of having a sexual encounter; but he made no further comments once officially charged.
It was on Saturday afternoon on September 6, 2014 the teenager’s lifeless body was discovered in one of the bathrooms of the St. Thomas Primary School by a family member.
As news quickly spread the nation was shaken by such a horrific death. Nevispages also learnt that some of the family members were attending a funeral when they received the devastating news.
A candle light vigil was held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 in memory of Shante. Hundreds of people, also members of the Nevis Island Administration came out to support the cause.
Her funeral is scheduled to take place this Thursday, September 18, 2014 at the Mannings Seventh Day Adventist Church. Her father, Errol Claxton expressed that he wants the funeral to be held at that church, so that his daughter can continue her journey.
Shante was on her way to church on that gloomy Saturday morning when her life was tragically taken away from her.
In the biography presented by Reece Walters for the Mr. Kool Show in 2012, he mentioned his favorite quote was, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have, within you, the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Reece believed that anything was possible once one put his mind to it.
He further stated that by entering the Mr. Kool Contest, he hoped to serve as a positive influence to other young men in his community and to show that they too could become role models.
With such a positive attitude, what occurred on that Saturday morning is still puzzling to everyone in the Community.
In June 2014, one of his brothers, Miles Walters was sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment for possession of firearm; and 5 years for possession of ammunition. He was found guilty of receiving but no sentence was recorded. The sentences will run concurrently.
Recently, another young brother was remanded to prison. He too was found in possession of a firearm.