Mugshot of Darnley Petersen. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — A 23-year-old man, Darnley Petersen, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident reported on September 10, 2023, near the Richmond fire station in St. Croix, as confirmed by the V.I. Police Department.
According to the VIPD, the 911 Emergency Call Center initially received calls about gunfire in the vicinity, prompting immediate police response. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male victim who reported narrowly escaping injury after being targeted by gunfire. The victim stated that he was walking near the fire station when he heard a vehicle approaching from behind. He recounted seeing a male suspect, later identified as Darnley Petersen, leaning out of the passenger side of the vehicle and firing several shots in his direction. The victim managed to flee to safety by running in the opposite direction.
The police department's Criminal Investigation Bureau took over the case and identified Petersen as the shooter, operating from the passenger seat, with Malyki Lockhart allegedly driving the vehicle. Investigators obtained a warrant for Petersen's arrest on charges of attempted first-degree murder. His bail was subsequently set at $1 million.
On May 30, 2024 authorities arrested Petersen at the Bureau of Corrections, where he was already detained on a separate charge. Following his latest arrest, he was booked on multiple charges, including attempted murder, first and third-degree assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of ammunition, first-degree reckless endangerment, and discharging or aiming a firearm.
Petersen was returned to the John Bell Correctional Facility, where he awaits his Advice of Rights Hearing.
