Scene of Sion Farm homicide which occurred during the night of Monday, Aug. 17, 2020
ST. CROIX — St. Croix residents as far as The Meadows just north of Strawberry Hill reported hearing endless gunshots ringing from afar on Monday night. One person, rattled by the gunfire, declared it was World War III. Multiple residents said well over a hundred rounds were fired.
The gunfire was coming from Sion Farm near the Mill area, where two individuals — including a 16-year-old boy — were walking in their neighborhood when they were ambushed by an unfamiliar vehicle, whose occupant or occupants opened fire.
The 16-year-old was an honor student who played on the football team at the Central High School, was part of a baseball team and was praised by teachers as a student with great potential. He also played basketball and represented the Virgin Islands in sports as far as Panama.
Identified by family members as Tintawee Christian, he died on the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
The other victim sustained a gunshot wound to the chest but survived the onslaught. He will be airlifted today for further medical attention, according to an EMT.
Sorrow filled St. Croix social media channels Monday night, with multiple people lamenting the untimely death.
"Just spoke to a teacher who was crying tears out for you," said Educator Eliza Rampersad on Facebook.
"I am screaming at our ELECTED OFFICIALS DO BLEEPING SOMETHING!!!!!! Mehn," wrote Arlene Coggins-John, a parent of a young man who was one of the deceased victim's peers.
"I watch my son lose one teammate to a car accident it was hard on him. Now his teammate to gun Violence!!!! HE DID NOT DESERVE THIS SH*T MAN. Where is all the promises of getting the Feds to help?? I am bleeding vex sh*t man!!!
"This child was not a gang member, he was an athlete. He played basketball, baseball, and football. He represented the Virgin Islands in countries such as Panama. He was respectful and funny. How do we protect our young men who are doing their part in this thing call life?" said Ms. Coggins-John.
The territory has experienced 38 homicides so far in 2020: 20 on St. Croix, 17 on St. Thomas and 1 on St. John, according to V.I. Police Department Public Information Officer Toby Derima
Mr. Derima said the V.I.P.D. is investigating the crime. The police force also called on the community to provide information that may lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators. To provide anonymous information, simply go here.
