Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4380/-1/140/

Police Investigating Attempted Robbery, Shooting Death


People in Anguilla are still in shock over the shooting to death of 53-year-old Elaine Phillips by one of two masked and gun-carrying assailants who attempted to rob Hideaway Grocery and Hardware Department just before 9.00 pm on February 15.


Police securing crime scene
Police securing crime scene
Owner of the small and thriving road-side business at Little Dix, Abraham Harrigan, was sitting at the counter when the bandits, dressed in black clothing and masked, walked in. They pointed wrapped guns (with only the nozzles showing) at him and his friend Elaine who was occupying her customary and nearby seat close to him and one of them demanded that all of the money should be turned over to them. Thinking they might have been joking, Mr. Harrigan began to coax them.

Elaine got up and as she walked towards the one covering her with his gun, he shot her in the chest. She fell in the doorway and the burglar fled outside. As the other made for the exit, Mr. Harrigan, shouting for assistance, grabbed his machete and held on to the door while the robber, then outside, attempted to re-enter the shop to attack him. He eventually ran away. Elaine, who was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital died there shortly afterwards.

The incident attracted a large crowd and the police, including members of the special Task Force comprising local and British officers secured, blocked off and searched the area.


The late Elaine Phillips
The late Elaine Phillips
A police press release put the time of the February 15 incident at about 8.55 pm. An appeal is being made to anyone who might have been in the vicinity of Hideaway Grocery between 8.00 and 9.30 pm and has any information relating to the incident to contact the police.

It is understood that a number of persons have been questioned by the police. Up to press time, late Wednesday night, no one was charged in connection with the crime.

Mr. Harrigan is a well-respected and successful Anguillian businessman who has contributed much to the development of the island. He was awarded a Medal of Honour and Queen Certificate for his contribution to the Anguilla Revolution. The attack on his business place, resulting in the shooting to death of his girlfriend has angered the people of the island. Elaine, daughter of Hilton Fleming of Island Harbour, was the mother of an early teenage daughter.




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