ST. CROIX — A violent altercation in the Candido Guadalupe Terrace housing community on July 4 resulted in a mother and her 15-year-old daughter being shot, the V.I. Police Department has confirmed. The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Miguel A. Marrero, opened fire following a confrontation regarding a fight between his son and the victim's daughter.

According to the VIPD, at approximately 5:40 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of two gunshot victims. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victims, an adult female and her 15-year-old daughter.

Marrero was at Candido Guadalupe Building 2, encouraging his 17-year-old son, who was engaged in a physical altercation with the adult victim’s 15-year-old daughter, according to the Criminal Investigation Bureau. The mother confronted Marrero about the fight, during which he allegedly pulled out a firearm and discharged several shots, hitting the adult female once in the back and shooting her daughter twice. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated locally, confirms the shooting.

The victims were transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital via ambulance. The adult female underwent emergency surgery and is listed in serious condition, while her daughter was treated for her injuries and released.

Marrero fled the scene but was apprehended by Special Operations Bureau units in the Sion Farm area shortly after the shooting. He was transported to the Criminal Investigation Bureau, where he provided a statement admitting to the shootings.

Marrero was placed under arrest and booked, with bail set at $75,000. He was unable to post bond and was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing set for July 5, 2024, at the Superior Court.