ST. THOMAS — A 21-year-old man was fatally shot in the Sugar Estate area of St. Thomas on Wednesday, according to the V.I. Police Department.

Officers responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired in the vicinity of First Street at approximately 5:52 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered an unresponsive male who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians also arrived at the scene and attempted to check for vital signs. However, at 6:08 p.m., the victim, identified by his family as Ja’haile Clendinen, was pronounced dead after no signs of life were detected.

The VIPD's Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating the incident, and authorities have not yet identified any suspects involved in the shooting.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact the Virgin Islands Police Department directly at (340) 774-2211 or reach the Criminal Investigation Unit’s Major Crimes Division at (340) 714-9823 or (340) 714-9829. Crime Stoppers can also be contacted anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.