ST. CROIX — The victim of Wednesday's shooting in Lorraine Village has died, marking the 33rd homicide in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 2024, according to the V.I. Police Department. He was identified by his next of kin as 35-year-old Quanza Heath.
The incident occurred around 11:46 a.m. when multiple gunshots were reported in the area, along with the sound of a woman screaming. The VIPD's ShotSpotter technology detected three rounds fired. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find Heath suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and he was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital, where CPR was in progress. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the nearby Eulalie Rivera K-8 School was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. The V.I. Department of Education coordinated with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff while the VIPD conducted an inspection of the campus. An "all clear" signal was given shortly thereafter, and the school resumed its abbreviated schedule, allowing parents to pick up their children.
The shooting has brought the territory's homicide count for the year to 33, with 18 occurring on St. Thomas and 15 on St. Croix.
An all-points bulletin for Kertis Tonge, who was considered armed and dangerous, has since been discontinued following his arrest.
