Mugshot of Dresyne Joseph. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — A St. Thomas man is facing domestic violence-related assault charges after police say he punched his mother in the face, threatened to kill her, blocked her from leaving, and continued striking her as she tried to seek help from the landlord.
Police were called to an Estate Contant residence around midday Sunday after receiving reports of an assault. Responding officers met with a woman who said she had been sitting on her bed talking on the phone a few minutes earlier when the door opened.
According to the woman, her son, Dresyne Joseph, walked in, approached her, and began punching her in the face. She told police that he also threatened to kill her and blocked her from leaving when she attempted to escape.
The woman said she eventually managed to get around him and went to seek help from the landlord. Joseph reportedly followed her, continuing to punch her in the head and hitting her head against the wall.
Police also spoke with the landlord, who said he heard the woman calling his name. When he looked through the window of his office, he said he saw Joseph pushing his mother into an air conditioning unit before punching her in the back of the head.
The landlord opened the door to let the woman inside and told police that he had to block Joseph from following her.
Officers documented bruising on the woman’s face and back before arresting Joseph. He was charged with simple assault and disturbance of the peace, both as crimes of domestic violence, and was remanded into custody pending his advice of rights hearing.
During a court appearance on Tuesday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold the charges against Mr. Joseph. Bail was set at $1,000, fully unsecured.
Once released, Joseph must report to the probation office in person twice a week. He was also ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before Friday.
The court barred Joseph from the home where his mother resides, except for one opportunity to remove his belongings under the supervision of a court marshal or police officer. He must also comply with other standard bail conditions.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 12.
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