Mikhail Young Arrested In Massachusetts For Murder Of Parents In St. Thomas Resort

ST. THOMAS – Virgin Islands authorities have issued a murder warrant for a 24-year-old Massachusetts man who allegedly killed his parents while the family vacationed near Sapphire Bay last week.

In a hastily arranged press conference at Government House in St. Thomas at 4:00 p.m. today, Virgin Islands Police Department Commissioner designee Delroy Richards revealed the murder suspect as Mikhail Young, 24 of Sudbury, Massachusetts. His slain parents are 73-year-old Kenneth Young and 66-year-old Jane Young, who police said were stabbed to death on Sunday; five days after the family of three flew to the Virgin Islands.

The lifeless bodies of Kenneth and Jane were discovered by police Monday along with the apparent murder weapon, a knife, in the Crystal Cove Resort on St. Thomas’ East End, according to the VIPD. But the person wanted for questioning about the double murder – Mikhail Young – fled the island before police could interview him.

From Left, 24-year-old Mikhail Young (in handcuffs), Kenneth Young, 73 and Jane Young, 66

Richards said Young hurriedly made arrangements to leave the Resort and take flight to the U.S. mainland. However, enough evidence was collected that ultimately lead to the VIPD’s decision.

“As a result of the information gathered during the investigation and the gathering of evidence, Mr. Young was later treated as the primary suspect in this particular double homicide,” Richards said. The VIPD subsequently provided Acting Attorney General Terri Griffiths with a fact sheet detailing the evidence collected. From there, an affidavit was prepared by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice and an arrest warrant issued for Young.

Griffith said documents were being prepared for the Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker for the extradition of Young. Once the clearance is given, two local police officers will be sent to the state to collect Young, who would then face murder charges in the territory.

In U.S. District Court in Framingham, Mass. today, Young was charged with being a fugitive from justice. Sudbury police said Young has a criminal history and was known to them. Sudbury police immediately arrested him on a probation violation when he returned home.

“This is a horrific crime where the suspect allegedly killed his own parents,” Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix said in a statement. “The Sudbury Police Department is working closely with officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and I am proud of the work of our officers to quickly apprehend this dangerous suspect.”

Richards said no motive has been established for the double homicide.

Ernice Gilbert and John McCarthy assisted with reporting for this story.