ST. JOHNS, ANTIGUA (AFP) - Antigua hotels and businesses have offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for shooting a British couple on their honeymoon, killing the woman, police said Wednesday.
Medical doctor Catherine Mullany, 31, was shot and killed while husband, Benjamin, also 31, was in a coma with bullet wounds to the head and neck.
Assailants shot the couple at their cottage on Sunday in an incident police are treating as a robbery "gone bad."
Police Chief Gary Nelson said his staff were pursuing several leads and have been questioning people about the murder.
Nelson said he hoped a 130,000 dollar reward offered by local businesses would encourage people to come forward with information on the case.
Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association chairman Ted Isaac said his group has planned a march and memorial service on Sunday for the murder victim to show how serious hoteliers are taking the issue.
"We want the world to understand that we abhor this despicable crime," Isaac said.
Police spokesman Cornelius Charles told AFP that if Britain's Scotland Yard were to offer assistance in the case, "we will accept it."
The Mullanys, from Pontardawe, in South Wales, were nearing the end of a two-week honeymoon on the island when they were attacked.
The parents of both victims arrived in Antigua on Tuesday to identify Catherine Mullany's body and visit Benjamin Mullany, who is fighting for his life in a hospital intensive care ward.
The parents issued a statement, distributed by the Foreign Office in London, asking for privacy.
"We have found some of the stories reported in certain areas of the press insensitive, untrue, and have added to our distress," read the statement.
"While we understand that media interest in this tragic incident is inevitable, we feel that our privacy has been invaded at an extremely upsetting time for us all."
The relatives urged reporters to help authorities identify the culprits, and expressed their appreciation to authorities in Antigua "for all their support and assistance."
The local government, still reeling from the shock and likely negative implications from the incident, has continued to promote the country as a safe destination.
However, at least one airline, Virgin Atlantic and its subsidiary, Virgin Holidays, have reported cancellations of bookings and tour packages.
Hoteliers have increased security at their properties since the attack.
