Crime

Building a Future on the Mainland, He Returned to St. Thomas to Face Trial and Was Killed Before the Verdict

Last updated at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026. ST. THOMAS — A 32-year-old man who had spent years rebuilding his life on the mainland and had returned to the U.S. Virgin Islands to face criminal charges was shot and killed Thursday morning in St. Thomas, just hours before a jury was expected to deliver a verdict in his case. Desie Conrad Henry Jr. was preparing to go to court to await the jury’s decision when he was fatally shot in the Paul M. Pearson Gardens housing community, according to information provided by police and his attorney. VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte confirmed the victim’s identity as Henry. During an interview with The Consortium, Henry's attorney Carl R. Williams described the loss as deeply troubling and noted that Henry had complied with every requirement placed upon him throughout the judicial process. Williams said Henry had fully participated in the trial proceedings and remained present throughout the case, which began after his arres...