ST. THOMAS — Gun violence have been rocking St. Thomas this year, with the current death toll of gun-related homicides at 18, including the death of a Hispanic man on Monday, who was found lying face up in the area of Fortuna Beach.
The escalating crime in the capital of the Virgin Islands is a sober reminder to the new police chiefs that the job ahead must be a comprehensive effort. And the current reality does not bode well for the territory’s tourism product, even as St. Thomas remains the most popular cruise line destination in the Caribbean, according to West Indian Company President and C.E.O. Joseph B. Boschulte.
According to V.I.P.D. Media Specialist Sakeeda Freeman, the 911 emergency call center received notification of gunshots fired in the area of Fortuna Beach on Monday at 8:51 p.m.
Upon arrival on the scene, officers made contact with an unresponsive Hispanic male, lying face up in sand and wearing a blue “Air Jordan” t-shirt, blue three-quarter denim shorts, black socks and sneakers.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. His name was being withheld at time of writing pending next of kin notification.
Ms. Freeman said the case is currently under investigation by the V.I.P.D.’s Homicide Task Force. Police are asking anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator (s), to contact the Task Force at (340) 774-2211 extensions 5617 and 5554. You can also call 911, Crime Stoppers VI, the commissioner’s office at (340)715-5506 and the chief’s office at (340)715-5548.
Tags: 2016 homicide, crime, st thomas
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