Mugshot of Jason Gumbs. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A man has been taken into custody following a violent assault on his ex-girlfriend that left her severely injured and in need of medical attention.
The victim, who was being treated at Schneider Hospital, recounted the incident to officers from the Domestic Violence Unit on Monday night. She explained that earlier in the evening, while she was at home combing her young children’s hair, she began receiving a series of persistent phone calls from the children’s father, 44-year-old Jason Gumbs.
According to court documents, he reportedly called to inquire about clothes he claimed to have left at her residence. The woman told him there were no belongings of his at the house and warned him not to come over. However, a few minutes later, she heard banging on her front door. Choosing to ignore the commotion, she continued tending to her children.
The banging escalated to the sound of the door being forced open. Moments later, Gumbs allegedly appeared in the woman’s bedroom, where she was with the children. She recounted that he had broken in on a previous occasion but fled when she called the police. This time, she was determined not to let him escape and attempted to detain him.
In response, Gumbs reportedly punched her in the face in front of their children. The woman managed to place him in a neck hold while calling 911. Despite her restraint, Mr. Gumbs maneuvered to retrieve his keys and used them to stab her repeatedly in the face. She continued to hold on to him even as he bit her forearm, but she was eventually forced to let go when the keys got dangerously close to her eyes. Once freed, Gumbs allegedly resumed his attack, bending back a recently operated finger and squeezing her right breast.
Eventually, Gumbs stopped the assault and told her he would wait outside for the police. After he left, the woman unplugged her chest freezer and used it to block the door, fearing his return. Despite his claims, she later heard a motorcycle start and saw him flee the area.
An ambulance transported the woman to Schneider Hospital, where she was treated for lacerations and abrasions to her face, as well as the bite mark on her forearm. Police investigations revealed at least three previous reports filed against Gumbs. He turned himself in on Tuesday, November 12.
During questioning, Gumbs reportedly admitted to breaking into the woman’s house, claiming he only did so to retrieve his belongings. He also alleged that she had assaulted him on several occasions in the past, though he never reported those incidents. At the Domestic Violence Unit, he was arrested and charged with third-degree assault, simple assault, second-degree burglary, and destruction of property, all categorized as crimes of domestic violence. Additional charges included disturbance of the peace. He was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.
In court on Wednesday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold all charges against Gumbs. Bail was set at $15,000, with an option to pay 20% in cash to secure release ahead of trial. Conditions of his release include reporting to the probation office twice weekly in person and maintaining a minimum distance of 50 feet from his children’s mother at all times.
Gumbs is scheduled to make his next court appearance on December 6.
Editor’s Note: Domestic violence is a critical issue in the Virgin Islands and across the nation. If you need assistance leaving or dealing with an abusive relationship, support is available. The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (24/7 Hotline: 340-773-9272) and the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas (24/7 Hotline: 340-776-7867) provide help and resources.
