Dave Boriel
The medical condition of a businessman, who was severely beaten on Saturday, Feb. 1 at a cockfight venue in Vieux Fort, has improved significantly and four men are still in police custody in connection with the incident.
A relative told St. Lucia News Online today that Dave Boriel, 42, of New Dock Road, Vieux Fort is doing “amazingly well” but still in critical condition at Tapion Hospital where he has been admitted after he was transferred from St. Jude’s Hospital over the weekend.
After a major head surgery on Monday, Feb. 3, Boriel is now more responsive. A hammer was allegedly used to hit Boriel in his head during the altercation.
“He’s doing amazingly well; got to see him last night. Just a day after major surgery he’s moving and aware. He is still on the ventilator but that’s more precautionary, and he understands us, giving thumbs up and gripping our hands, as we ask him to. He’s breathing on his own so we have to give him time now,” a relative said.
A Facebook page named ‘Pray for DAVE BORIEL’s Recovery’ has stated that Boriel is also moving his eyes.
“It is very apparent that he is totally aware of us and what’s going on. We are so pleased and so hopeful! Thank you for the prayers, please continue!!” the post stated.
Prior to his surgery, Boriel’s condition was critical but the family always kept hope alive. On the day of the incident, a relative had said a CT scan on Boriel showed swelling, bleeding and pieces of bone matter inside the head.
A Feb. 2 Facebook post – a day before his surgery – stated: “Hey All: Krissy here. My parents as well as Dave’s family went to see him today. He is still sedated, and his state is still the same. However the family recounted that his heart rate went up and he moved his arm in response to the family’s voices. The doctors are planning to wean him off sedatives to see how he responds. Thank you for the support.”
Shortly after his surgery on Monday evening, a relative told SNO: “Dave just came out of surgery. It was successful, however the damage was more extensive than they previously thought. However, they did all the cleaning and repair they went to do, as well as prevention for blood clots and infection.”
Boriel is now expected to make a full recovery if his condition continues to improve, however doctors are still cautious. Bone fragments were removed from his brain and he is scheduled to do follow-up surgeries, according to relatives.
Meanwhile, four men from Marc, Bexon, who were picked up by police on Saturday, hours after the incident, are still in police custody and are expected to be charged soon.
Three were picked up in Marc, Bexon and the fourth suspect was picked up at work at a popular hotel in Rodney Bay, according to reliable sources.
Reports are that between 12:30 and 1 am on Saturday, Boriel is alleged to have been ganged by a group of men from Marc, Bexon. A hammer was reportedly used to inflict injuries to Boriel’s head.
The attack allegedly stemmed from an earlier altercation with one of the suspects whom Boriel is accused of “slapping”. It is further alleged that Boriel eventually apologised however this did not prevent the attack.