ST. CROIX — A brother of 18-year-old Malik Benjamin — who was gunned down during a birthday party earlier this month at the Altona Lagoon in Christiansted — was shot dead last night in Concordia Manor, a police source with direct knowledge of the homicide confirmed to The Virgin Islands Consortium this morning.
The victim has been identified as Marquise Benjamin. His brother, who succumbed to his injuries on the spot during the shooting at the Lagoon, is set to be laid to rest tomorrow, according the source, who requested anonymity to speak freely on the matter. The police source could not confirm the victim’s age, but a scan of Mr. Benjamin’s Facebook profile — which is flooded with condolences from friends — tells of a young man, probably in his late teenage years or early 20s.
The Consortium contacted V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte this morning, who confirmed the incident but did not reveal much else. He said that about 8:52 p.m. on Tuesday, the 911 emergency call center dispatched officers to Concordia Manor to investigate an apparent shooting incident.
Upon arrival to the scene, officers met with an unresponsive black male, who was pronounced dead on the scene. Mr. Dratte said police are continuing their investigation into the matter, and are asking anyone with information to contact the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5579 and 5557. Residents can also contact 911, Crime Stoppers V.I., the chief’s office at 340-715-5548 or the commissioner’s office at 340-715-5506, he said.
The Consortium learned of the incident just after 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, when multiple notices came into our inboxes of shots being fired in the area of Concordia Manor, located in Frederiksted.
Last night’s homicide carries the territory’s 2016 total to 38 — St. Thomas leads with 24, followed by St. Croix with 13, and one in St. John. Of the 38, four were vehicle homicides.
Tags: marguise benjamin, shot dead, st croix
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