Ongoing Disputes Between Couple Lead to Arrest; Judge Says, 'This Has to Stop And It’s Gonna Stop Today!'

  • Amanie Mathurin
  • December 09, 2021
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Mushot of Keneisha Daniel. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT

ST. THOMAS- A 29-year-old mother of two is facing multiple charges after a series of police reports issued by her and her ex-boyfriend.

Keneisha Daniel is charged with simple assault, unlawful and forcible entry, robbery and disturbance of the peace, all categorized as crimes of domestic violence. 

The charges stem from a report of her entering her ex-boyfriend’s residence without permission on the evening of November 29. According to the probable cause fact sheet supporting her arrest, the man said he was at his residence when he felt something on top of his chest. After opening his eyes he found his 10-month-old son on his chest and the child’s mother standing over him yelling. He then called for police assistance because he was in fear, but Daniel left before officers arrived. 

The man’s relative who owns the residence in question later told police that the door was closed and Daniel did not have permission to enter. She explained that in order to avoid the two interacting, she was previously asked to serve as a third-party between them as it relates to matters involving their child. When questioned by police, Daniel admitted that she had not contacted either the man or his relative before bringing the child. While she acknowledged that she was aware that she is not supposed to go to the residence, she stated that she had no one else to watch the child and she needed to go to work. 

However, the man said that there has been an ongoing situation between him and Daniel, stating that he had recently filed two police reports against her. One of the matters involves a November 18 incident in which he said she struck his vehicle with her car and assaulted him by scratching his face, neck, and torso in addition to snatching his gold chain from his neck. The man also showed officers footage of Daniel pouring fabric softener on his windshield, windows, and back glass, but noted that he initially hesitated to seek police intervention as she is the mother of his child. He said that Daniel continues to message and call him to argue even though multiple officers have instructed them both to avoid verbal confrontation and physical altercation. 

When initially asked to provide a statement, Daniel reportedly told police, “I just want it to be done with. I don’t want to go forward with anything. Just tell the judge to say that we both need to go to counseling.” Days later she was asked to report to the Domestic Violence Unit where she was arrested after being advised of the charges brought against her. 

In her statement to police, she asserted that the man’s gold chain was damaged during a fight, but she did not know where it was. She also said that she had previously been assaulted by him and that her minor son and daughter were injured during a physical altercation between them.

At Daniel’s virtual hearing on Friday, Assistant Attorney General Brenda Scales recommended that bail be set in the amount of $5,000 and that Daniel not be released without a court-ordered mental health evaluation. Scales noted concern that the matter appears to be escalating out of control, referencing several police reports involving the two in recent weeks. Judge Henry Carr revealed that just days ago he signed off on a temporary restraining order requested by Daniel against the alleged victim. Carr explained that while the man later attempted to request his own restraining against Daniel, this was not granted. He explained that this would now be reconsidered. 

Public defender Julie Todman argued that a $5,000 bail was excessive as the defendant has made allegations of abuse against the alleged victim which have not been taken seriously. Todman further argued that it was also excessive to require an evaluation as a condition of Daniel’s release as she has two young children who she works to support and can undergo an evaluation while out on bail. 

Referencing the ongoing tension and multiple police reports between the two, judge Carr affirmed, “this has to stop and it’s gonna stop today!” Thus, as a condition of Daniel’s pre-trial release, she has been mandated to remain at least 100 feet from her son’s father at all times. She is also prohibited from going to his residence or place of employment or contacting him through any means. Visitation arrangements regarding the infant must now be done through the Family Resource Center. 

As it relates to bail, the Judge agreed that Scales’ recommendation of $5000 was not appropriate and instead ordered the defendant’s release on the signing of an unsecured appearance bond valued at $1000. He further asserted that he will not keep the mother of two detained pending a mental health evaluation as no hearing has been held to determine who is the real culprit in the various matters involving the two adults. Carr highlighted that the material submitted in support of Daniel’s complaints against the man reveals that he has behaved in an “immature manner” regarding visitation. Daniel’s arraignment has been scheduled for December 17th.

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