Crime

Man Wanted in Connection With Brutal Murder of Female Victim on St. Croix Apprehended in California

ST. CROIX — Law enforcement officials in California have apprehended Tyler Delroy Smith, after the suspect was charged in February by the V.I. Police Department with first-degree murder in connection with the 2021 homicide of Nancy Nieves Naar. Ms. Naar was found brutally murdered on the side of a road in Estate St. John in Christiansted. The woman was found "beaten beyond recognition," according to the V.I.P.D.  The investigation into the homicide revealed that Naar, 58 at the time, was followed by Smith to the area — located around 100 yards from the Judith's Fancy Entrance — who then attacked and beat her to death, according to the police department. V.I.P.D. Director of Communications Glen Dratte said the Criminal Investigations Bureau verified the evidence with a DNA report and requested a warrant for the arrest of Smith for first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and third-degree assault. The warrant was granted by Judge Darrly Donohue Sr. in February. Smith, described as a...