ST. CROIX — Police have identified the body of a man that was found on Thursday in Estate Hogensborg, Frederiksted, unresponsive and with multiple gunshot wounds, according to V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte.
The victim, Robert Courtney Bascus, 23, was identified by his mother on Saturday, according to Mr. Dratte. The V.I.P.D.’s Criminal Investigation Bureau thanked the community for its assistance. The force had requested help in identifying the homicide victim, making available a description of Mr. Bascus and what he wore when his body was found.
According to a V.I.P.D. release issued Thursday afternoon, Mr. Bascus’s body was discovered by a resident passing in the area at about 12:42 p.m. Mr. Dratte said gunshots were heard in the area overnight, however the victim was discovered on Thursday afternoon.
A V.I.P.D. source with intimate knowledge of the matter told The Consortium that the victim was found gagged and tied, and it appeared that he was shot and dragged out of a vehicle. Mr. Dratte was asked about the manner in which the victim died, but he refrained from commenting and instead reiterated that the victim was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds about his body.
The V.I.P.D. is investigating the homicide, according to Mr. Dratte.
The force is asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the person or persons involved, to contact Crime Stoppers USVI here.
Tags: 23, crime, homicide, Robert Courtney Bascus, st croix, usvi