Gunshots Rattle John F. Kennedy Housing Community; One Injured

ST. CROIX — Just after 6:00 p.m. today, The Consortium was made aware by multiple sources of a shooting incident that occurred in the John F. Kennedy Housing Community, where over 40 shots were fired at one individual, who managed to survive the shootout — though injured — and was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for emergency care.

The victim, Dwayne “DMX” Woodrup — who was shot multiple times in September 2015 while driving a red Honda Civic on Centerline Road (Queen Mary Highway) near the Central High School, during a barrage of shooting incidents that month and was airlifted out of the territory for emergency care — is once more being treated at J.F.L., which is most likely on lockdown.

Upon arrival to the scene, a Consortium reporter witnessed dozens of officers moving back and forth, investigating the matter, while two ambulances exited the area, one carrying Mr. Woodrup. About 44 shell casings were found, made known by police markers, and residents of the housing community could be seen looking curiously in the direction of the crime scene.

Police place markers where shell casings were discovered.

The floor was stained with the victim’s blood, and a car situated near where he was shot was also damaged. Also on the scene was former police chief and commissioner, Senator Novelle Francis, who told The Consortium that he immediately headed to the community when he heard of the incident, because it’s one of the areas that he has been focused on improving, and also because he has family who reside there.

Mr. Francis decried the violence, calling it senseless and unfortunate.

“This is yet another unfortunate incident, and certainly from the barrage of shots fired here today, we’re lucky that there’s only one victim, and the person’s still alive,” Mr. Francis said. “After learning of the incident through 911, I came here because it’s one of the communities that I’ve been trying to proactively support.”

“It’s an unfortunate situation that has once again placed residents at risk. These individuals, regardless of where and when, they’re willing to go up against their adversaries, and when that happens innocent individuals could be hurt,” he added.

Later, Senator Kenneth Gittens came on the scene. Both Mr. Gittens and Mr. Francis are former law enforcement officers.

No suspects have been identified.

Police 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.

Feature Image: Crime scene at the John F. Kennedy Housing Community. (Credit: VIC)