The shooting occurred within a commercial complex on Strand Street that hosts several businesses. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
Correction Note: The V.I. Police Department has issued a correction regarding the shooting incident in downtown Christiansted early Saturday. Initially, the VIPD reported that all the injured victims were female. However, the department has now confirmed that the victims included three males and three females. Additionally, new information has been provided indicating that the incident was triggered by an attempted robbery, leading to a physical altercation. The VIPD acknowledges this correction and the updated details are reflected in the story below.
ST. CROIX — A deadly shootout incident unfolded in downtown Christiansted early Saturday leaving one man dead, three women and three men injured, the V.I. Police Department has confirmed to the Consortium.
According to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, police officers responded to the scene — situated within a commercial complex on Strand Street that hosts several businesses — following an alert from the ShotSpotter system at about 12:27 a.m. Upon the arrival of Major Crimes Unit detectives, a black male who was later identified by next of kin as 25-year-old Michael Edwards, was observed lying on the ground unresponsive. He was declared dead on arrival by emergency medical technicians.
According to Police Commander Naomi Joseph, the shootout resulted from a physical altercation that was triggered by an attempted robbery.
The six additional individuals, three males and three females, were shot during this incident, which the VIPD said included at least two shooters. The victims were transported by private vehicles to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment, according to the VIPD. Their injuries ranged from minor wounds to the lower extremities to significant head and throat gunshot injuries that required immediate surgical intervention, Mr. Dratte said.
The shooting marks the 21st homicide in the territory for 2024, with 12 occurring on St. Thomas and 9 on St. Croix.
The investigation continues in this matter. CIB detectives are urging anyone with information about this shooting to contact the CIB Tip-line at 340-778-4850, Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-TIPS, or 911. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
