Tragedy in Monkey River: Orphaned Children After Family Murdered

In a sad turn of events, eleven-year-old Eliana Garbutt and her eight-year-old brother, Elvis Junior, are now without their parents. The family of five was viciously attacked on their way home, resulting in the tragic deaths of their father, Elvis Garbutt Senior, their mother, Emerita Garbutt, and their three-year-old brother, Ellis Garbutt. Police have arrested Curtis Molina, who was found near the village, attempting to flee towards the coast in a small boat. The victims were discovered late Saturday night in their vehicle along Monkey River Road. We spoke with A.C.P. Hilberto Romero to understand what might have driven this senseless act of violence.

 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division, 031G1029

“On Saturday, 14th of December, 2024, police responded to a shooting incident at Monkey River Village. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless bodies of three male persons. They were identified as Elvis Garbutt Sr., Manuela Garbutt, and Ellis Garbutt. Police found multiple injuries on the three persons. An investigation was conducted. Thereafter, information was received that Elvis Garbutt was driving his vehicle on the Monkey River Road when he saw an obstruction on the road; he stopped to clear the road, at which point a person came out of the bushes and fired a shot that fatally injured him. The person then fired another shot towards his wife, fatally injuring her. And then he took out the child from the vehicle and caused fatal injuries to the child. He also fired a shot inside a vehicle where two other children were. They managed to run off, and they alerted neighbors. The police were called, and neighbours came, and the three bodies were discovered. We have one person in custody pending charges. The investigation revealed that this is a robbery. The suspect knew that this person had some cash, as this person wanted to buy a boat in the village. So he had that information. And after he shot Elvis Garbutt, then he was asking for the money from the vehicle.”

 

Benita Kemé-Palacio

“So he [Elvis] had the money inside the vehicle?”

 

ACP Hilberto Romero

“Yes, there was some money in the vehicle. Correct.”