St. Thomas Man Shot To Death Near UVI Campus, Institution Offers Condolences To Family

ST. THOMAS — A young man was fatally shot near the University of the Virgin Islands campus here at about 12:15 p.m today.

VIPD Public Information Officer has identified the victim as 25-year-old Denard Lawrence. Witnesses told police that Denard had just disembarked from a safari bus and began to walk up the hill in the Brewer’s Bay area, making his way towards the beach when the sound of multiple gunshots were heard. He sustained multiple gunshots and succumbed to his wounds on the scene, according to the VIPD.

Meanwhile, in a separate press release, UVI offered condolences to the friends and family of Denard, who was found unresponsive near the St. Thomas Campus. The homicide occurred on the sidewalk along the Julian Jackson Highway in the area of the Administration and Conference Center (ACC). 

UVI Security and the VI Police Department (VIPD) were dispatched to the scene and found a young male who sustained several gunshot wounds. Other law enforcement officers, including officers from the VI Port Authority, responded to the incident. Vehicular access to roadways were restricted in the areas adjacent to the ACC building, John Brewers Bay and the Reichhold Center for the Arts. The UVI community was advised to avoid the area. An all clear was signaled at approximately 2:19 p.m.

“The University of the Virgin Islands is saddened to learn of the sudden and violent passing of a young man from our community,” said UVI President David Hall. “We offer our condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time.”

UVI says it takes the safety of the community seriously and will utilize all resources available to ensure a safe environment.

An on-going investigation into the incident is being conducted by the VIPD. The University will continue to cooperate with the VIPD. The University community and the general public are encouraged to contact the Police Department if they have any information concerning the incident. Please contact VIPD Detective Sofia Rachid at (340) 714-9807 or VIPD Detective Dwight Griffith at (340) 626-9164 to anonymously provide information. 

All UVI students and employees are encouraged to sign-up for UVI’s Rave emergency notification system, which is used to share critical information via text messages and e-mail. Participants simply add their cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses to the “Personal Information” page in UVI’s BanWeb accounts. Additional instructions on signing up for Rave are available from this direct link.