Young Man Sentenced To 20 Years For Murder Of Innocent Bystander

ST. THOMAS — A 24-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a murder in October 2015, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison by V.I. Superior Court Judge Michael Dunston, the local Department of Justice has announced.

Jibri K. Roberts, above, of Bonne Esperance was initially charged with 20 counts, including first-degree murder, in relation to the shooting death of Rajkumarie Hendrickson, who was shot and killed outside the Jala Jala nightclub on Kronprindsens Gade. Two men – Kareem Mathias and Chad Fredericks – were also injured in the onslaught. The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2015.

Mr. Roberts accepted the terms of a closed plea agreement proffered by Attorney General Claude Earl Walker and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The remaining counts against him were dismissed, according to the D.O.J. release.

In his sentencing, Judge Dunston allowed Mr. Roberts to receive credit for the 278 days he has already served and ordered him to pay restitution to the victim’s husband. Judge Dunston also said he would recommend to the Bureau of Corrections that Mr. Roberts be afforded all the educational opportunities and vocational training that are available.

AG Walker, in commenting on the outcome of the matter, said, “Unfortunately, we continue to witness this senseless loss of life in the territory, and in this case, a man lost his wife permanently to violence.”