V.I.P.D. vehicles on the Melvin Evans Highway By. V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — Following the shooting death of a 24-year-old man Wednesday morning in the Bethlehem Village housing community, also known as the Harvey Project, another victim was shot dead just before 8:00 p.m. the same day, resulting in two homicides within 24 hours in the same community.
According to V.I.P.D. Director of Communications Glen Dratte, on Wednesday at about 7:45 p.m. the 911 Emergency Call Center received reports of shots fired and a man down in the vicinity of building 88 at the housing community. Officers swiftly traveled to the location and observed the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his body.
The victim was declared dead on arrival after emergency medical technicians arrived at the housing community, examined the victim and were unable to find a pulse.
According to Mr. Dratte, a preliminary investigation revealed the victim was leaving a family member's apartment when an individual ambushed him and discharged multiple shots at the victim using a high-powered rifle.
Next of kin has identified the victim as 47-year-old Jose Berrios of Bethlehem Village/Harvey Project Housing Community.
An investigation has been launched by Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives, who are asking anyone with information to call 911, the CIB Tip-Line at 340-778-4850, or send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers USVI here.
