St. Croix Man Chased And Shot To Death In Watergut On Sunday; Suspects In Custody

ST. CROIX — A man succumbed to gunshot injuries at the Juan F. Luis Hospital on Sunday, after being chased in the Watergut area and shot in the upper body, Police Commissioner Delroy Richards confirmed to The Consortium late Sunday.

The incident occurred just before 3:00 p.m., according to the commissioner, who told The Consortium that he received notification from 911 at about 3:11 p.m.

Officers who responded to the scene after receiving notification, met the gunshot victim being attended to by paramedics. He was then transported to the hospital via ambulance, where he died.

Police later received an all points bulletin (A.P.B.) for a vehicle fitting the exact description that was said to be involved in the shooting. Mr. Richards said the vehicle was intercepted, with police observing items of evidentiary value in the car, including firearms. Officers took into custody two individuals who were in the vehicle, according to Mr. Richards.

“I know as of last night they were charged with firearms possession,” Mr. Richards said, adding that the individuals were incarcerated.

The deceased was identified as 23-year-old Dean Schneider. Mr. Richards said Sunday’s incident was the third time that Mr. Schneider was targeted. The prior occurrences, the commissioner revealed, took place in Barren Spot, when assailants opened fire on Mr. Schneider, who managed to escape both times.

The suspects arrested in connection with the shooting were identified as Andre Auguste 27, from Frederiksted, and K’Shuan Hughes, 20, of Christiansted. Both men were charged with unauthorized possession of firearm, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. They were jailed after failing to make bail of $25,000 each. Advise-of-rights hearing was set for today.

According to V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte, mugshots of the suspects were not immediately available, but he said they will be released to the media sometime today.

Police are asking anyone with information about yesterday’s homicide incident to contact the force at 340-778-2211, or contact the anonymous tips line Crime Stoppers USVI here.