ST. CROIX — The passing of Deacon Augustus Bannis, member of the Calvary Baptist Church here who was carjacked, beaten and left for dead on August 17 while gathering almonds for his wife at the David Hamilton Jackson park in Grove Place, has left immediate family, church family and friends distraught and devastated.<\/p>\n
Mr. Bannis, universally loved by those who knew him, died before noon yesterday in a Miami, Florida hospital, surrounded by grieving family, The Consortium has learned through sources close to the family. He was in a coma during his entire stay at the medical facility and was never able to recover.<\/p>\n
Mr. Bannis’ pastor,\u00a0Anthony Benjamin, was en route to Florida when he died after being told by family members that the elder’s condition had deteriorated. Pastor Benjamin is currently consoling the family on the mainland.<\/p>\n
Mr. Bannis’ family have seen their lives drastically altered following the sad events of August 17. Along with church family, they’ve held services at the location where Mr. Bannis was carjacked, praying for whomever committed the crime, and for justice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would really love for those persons who perpetrated this act to know God is merciful and that God is just. And that we, as children of God, are merciful and just. We are not looking for vengeance in this situation. We are not looking for the worst for anyone out of this situation. We are looking for the very best in the midst of this situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like them to acknowledge that they did something wrong and they should throw themselves at the mercy of the law. I would encourage them to give up themselves and if they are afraid to do that, come see me. Come see the pastor. Come sit down and talk with me. Again, we\u2019re not looking for vengeance, we\u2019re looking for justice,” Mr. Benjamin said on Sunday<\/a><\/span>, August 23.<\/p>\n In mid-September, Mr. Benjamin held a brief press conference at the same park where Mr. Bannis\u00a0had been beaten unconscious. The event marked one\u00a0month since the near-fatal incident, yet no updates had been given from law enforcement in relation to the apprehension of suspects. Mr. Benjamin was also calling on the community to share what they know, if any, with him or law enforcement, so justice could be served.<\/p>\n