Mugshot of Kertis Tonge Jr. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — A jury has convicted 34-year-old Kertis Tonge Jr. of seven charges, including murder, in connection with the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Quanza Heath at Lorraine Village Apartments on St. Croix in October 2024.
Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announced the verdict on Wednesday, confirming Tonge was found guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of ammunition.
Judge Ernest E. Morris Jr. of the V.I. Superior Court presided over the trial. Sentencing has been scheduled for November 19, 2025.
According to trial evidence, on October 23, 2024, Tonge went uninvited to a Lorraine Village Apartment shortly before noon. After a dispute with the occupants, he fired three shots into the residence, which was occupied by Heath, an adult female, and multiple children. Heath suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by emergency personnel to the Juan F. Luis Hospital, where he later died.
Attorney General Rhea credited the successful conviction to the work of prosecutors Robert Pickett and Jasmin Griffin, DOJ support staff, Virgin Islands Police Department officers, witnesses who testified, and the jury.
“This victory for justice was made possible by the dedication of prosecutors Robert Pickett and Jasmin Griffin, the DOJ support staff, the VIPD, the witnesses who testified, and the jury members who upheld the law. Our communities are safer when people engage in the justice system, and the DOJ is grateful to those who step forward to build a safer, more just future. We remain committed to protecting our communities and pursuing justice for victims and their families,” Rhea said.
Rhea also expressed thanks to Assistant Director of Investigations Giselle Quinones, Special Agents Riquesha Williams and Sarah McFarlane, and Victim Witness Advocate Juliet John Hope of the DOJ Criminal Division’s St. Croix District, as well as Detective Naemah Daniel of the Virgin Islands Police Department and all officers involved in the investigation.
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