Mugshot of Jamari Gumbs. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. JOHN — A man has been arrested in connection with a robbery and attempted murder at a local jewelry store, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department. The incident, which took place on Thursday, May 18, 2023, around 2:00 p.m., occurred at St. John Bracelet in Cruz Bay, where the store owner was shot in the face.
According to the VIPD, two unidentified males entered the establishment, and during the robbery, one of the suspects shot the owner. The assailants then fled the scene with an unspecified amount of jewelry. The injured business owner was subsequently transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center for medical attention.
The investigation into the violent crime led to the identification of 21-year-old Jamari Gumbs as one of the suspects involved. A warrant for Gumbs’s arrest was issued on Friday, April 5, 2024, and was executed the following day.
Gumbs faces a slew of charges, including first, second and third-degree robbery, first-degree attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm during a crime of violence, aiding and abetting, possession of an unlicensed firearm within 1,000 Ft. of a park, public school, and conspiracy.
Gumbs was unable to post the set bail of $250,000 and was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advise of rights hearing.
The VIPD has stated that the case is still actively being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the robbery or the whereabouts of the second suspect to come forward and contact Detective J. Carty at 340-693-8880 ext. 5207, Detective S. Rhymer at 340-774-2211 ext. 5572, or to reach out to Crime Stoppers V.I. with an anonymous tip here.
