Man On U.S. Marshals’ Most Wanted List Captured In Tortola

ST. CROIX — J’Wa Charlery, 19, who was recently placed on the U.S. Marshals’ top 15 most wanted list, has been captured in Tortola, according to various media reports, including BVI News.

Charlery was captured on Thursday morning as part of a covert operation carried out by members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

On Nov. 2, 2014, the Richmond Virginia Police Department responded to a call for emergency assistance at the Clarion Hotel located at 3207 North Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers were directed to a room where they discovered the body of Eboniece Escobar, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The following day Richmond PD charged Charlery with murder. On Nov. 3, the U.S. Marshals joined the fugitive investigation for Charlery at the request of local authorities.

“The malicious crime allegedly committed by Charlery demonstrates a blatant disregard for life,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia Hylton earlier this month. “His potential for continued violence puts the public at great risk every day he remains on the run. We are resolute in our commitment to apprehend Charlery and will use all available resources to ensure this violent criminal faces justice.”

Marshals had confirmed that Charlery fled to the territory after the crime. He was also known to have ties to the cities of Norfolk, Va., Miami, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

According to the RVIPF, intelligence suggested that Charlery remained clandestine in Tortola, possibly being sheltered by local criminals.

“Before dawn this morning (July 23), armed members of the RVIPF were able to detain Charlery, where he was camping in a tent in bush near Baugher’s Bay,” said RVIPF, according to BVI News. “He was quickly arrested and a large amount of cash and two loaded handguns were seized at the scene.”

“J’Wa Charlery’s alleged criminal affiliations make him an extreme threat to communities,” Robert Mathieson, U.S. Marshal of the Eastern District of Virginia, recently said. “The U.S. Marshals will leave no stone unturned until we bring him to justice.”

Charlery remains in custody pending a decision from Tortola’s Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Thanks to the brave actions of our officers, this armed and dangerous fugitive has been detained without any loss of life or injury. Furthermore, two handguns have been removed from criminal circulation,” RVIPF’s Deputy Commissioner Alwyn James said.