ST. THOMAS — A 21-year-old man was shot multiple times and found unresponsive inside a vehicle that had struck a wall on Judy M. Gomez Highway early Thursday morning, bringing St. Thomas’s homicide count for 2026 to 15 and the territorywide total to 33, according to the V.I. Police Department.

The incident began at approximately 2:49 a.m. on August 27, when the ShotSpotter detection system alerted 911 to multiple gunshots being fired along Judy M. Gomez Highway. A short time later, police received a second report concerning a vehicle that had struck a wall.

VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, describing the sequence of events, said, “Shortly thereafter, a concerned citizen contacted Central Dispatch and informed them of a vehicle that had struck a wall and that there was an unresponsive male inside.”

Officers arriving at the scene found the man unresponsive and appearing to have suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body. Emergency medical personnel checked him for vital signs and determined that he showed no signs of life.

The victim’s next of kin was contacted and positively identified him as Gerell L. Reed, 21, according to police. VIPD had not identified a suspect as of the release, listing the suspect’s name, age and address as unknown.

Reed’s death brings the U.S. Virgin Islands to 33 homicides so far in 2026. St. Croix has recorded 18 homicides, St. Thomas 15, and St. John none.

Police are asking anyone with information about the killing to contact the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, extensions 5555 or 5556, or 340-714-9830. Information may also be provided through 911, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-8477, the Chief’s Office at 340-715-5548, or the Commissioner’s Office at 340-715-5506.