Mugshot of Quasheem Christian. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — The V.I. Police Department's Major Crime Unit on Wednesday announced the arrest of Quasheem Christian, a 23-year-old resident of Grove Place, Frederiksted, in connection to the January murder of tow truck operator Chandler “Frenchie” Heath in St. Thomas.
The arrest, which took place today without incident, occurred after a traffic stop in Estate Mountain on St. Croix.
Christian was spotted around 11:40 am in a WAPA truck near the Industrial Park on Melvin Evans Highway. After a warrant was obtained for his arrest as a contract killer, officers conducted a felony traffic stop and took Christian into custody.
Unable to post the $1 million bail set, Christian was transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility to await an advice of rights hearing set for December 8.
St. Croix Police Chief Sean Santos highlighted the current hostile climate for officers, stating that the severity of the warrant required a cautious approach. "Officers went based on training and executed a felony traffic stop on that vehicle," Chief Santos said. He commended the officers for their professionalism in handling the situation, especially given recent attacks on law enforcement personnel.
WAPA CEO Andrew Smith released a statement following the incident involving the utility's employees. Smith emphasized the importance of employee safety and confirmed that WAPA is cooperating with VIPD to obtain accurate information regarding the morning's events.
The murder of Chandler Heath occurred at approximately 10:00 pm on January 29, 2023, in Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas. The VIPD's swift action and inter-island cooperation have been crucial in the ongoing investigation and subsequent arrest. Further details will be provided as the case develops and after the upcoming court hearing.
