ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 17-year-old male early Sunday morning.

The incident, which occurred near the Grand View Housing Community in St. Thomas, marks the latest in a series of tragic homicides affecting the territory’s youth, with St. Thomas accounting for 20 of the 36 homicides that have impacted the USVI this year.

According to the VIPD, at approximately 2:39 a.m. on Sunday, the 911 Emergency Call Center was alerted to the sound of multiple gunshots in the Grand View Housing area by the Shot Spotter detection system. Responding VIPD officers arrived on the scene shortly after and discovered a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds.

Emergency Medical Technicians assessed the victim, who was found unresponsive, and determined that he showed no signs of life. The young man was later identified by his next of kin as Kareem L. Pinney, aged 17.

The VIPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. Individuals with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the shooting are encouraged to contact the department directly at (340) 774-2211 or the Criminal Investigation Unit’s Major Crimes Division at (340) 714-9823, (340) 714-9828, or (340) 714-9829. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or online here.