Scene of the shooting on Tuesday, July 23, which occurred on Hope Road near Kiki's Auto. Photo Credit: VIPD
ST. CROIX — A shooting incident occurred on Castle Coakley Road, near Kiki’s Auto Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the death of 31-year-old Anthony Ventura, VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte has confirmed to the Consortium. The 911 Emergency Call Center received multiple reports of the shooting at approximately 1:09 p.m.
V.I. Police Department officers, Emergency Medical Services, the VIPD's Criminal Investigation Bureau and Forensic teams were promptly dispatched to the scene. Ventura was transported by ambulance to the Juan F. Luis Hospital, where he later succumbed to his gunshot injuries.
Scene of the shooting on Tuesday, July 23, which occurred on Castle Coakley Road near Kiki's Auto. (Credit: V.I. Police Department)
According to preliminary investigations, Ventura was involved in a verbal altercation with another male individual prior to the shooting. Witnesses reported that Ventura had made multiple threats to the man and his family. As the man sat in his vehicle with his family, Ventura approached the passenger side window, extending his arm into the vehicle while reaching for something at the rear of his waist. In response, the man shot Ventura in the upper chest, according to Mr. Dratte.
The deceased was identified by next of kin. The investigation is ongoing, led by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Authorities continue to gather information to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Correction: July 24, 2024 at 6:17 a.m.
The VIPD has corrected an error it made regarding the location of the incident. It occurred on Castle Coakley Road, not Hope Road. We have updated the article to reflect this accurate information.
