Son Of Dr. Cora Christian And Dr. Simon Jones Hendrickson Shot In Apparent Ambush

ST. CROIX — Marcus Christian-Hendrickson, the son of Dr. Cora Christian, a well-known family medicine doctor in the territory, and Dr. Simon Jones Hendrickson, a former University of the Virgin Islands professor and current chief economist and fiscal policy advisor in the Governor Kenneth Mapp administration, was shot at 12:08 p.m. this afternoon during an apparent ambush, VIPD Commissioner Delroy Richards, Sr. revealed to The Consortium this evening. The publication was made aware of the incident immediately after it occurred, and was able to gather images of the scene.

According to Mr. Richards, citing latest information made available to him by investigators, Mr. Christian-Hendrickson, 31, was traveling home from church in the Esate La Grange area, heading to Concordia, when a hail of gunfire started coming from bushes where the suspect was said to be lying in wait. He was shot several times, Mr. Richards said, and was also struck or grazed in the head by a bullet; although no serious damage was done to his skull.

After realizing that he had been shot, Mr. Christian-Hendrickson attempted to speed away but his vehicle, a white Toyota Tacoma, seen on a police tow truck here, eventually crashed into a pole after he lost consciousness, according to Mr. Richards. Several spent shell casings were discovered on the scene.

The victim is being airlifted out of the territory for emergency care elsewhere. He has been listed as critical but in stable condition.

Police are asking anyone with details concerning this incident to call 911 or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or go to www.crimestoppersusvi.org.