Mugshot of Dana Joseph Jr. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — A 33-year-old woman has died following a fatal shooting on Tuesday evening, and her ex-boyfriend has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death, according to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte.
The victim, identified by her next of kin as Latifa Raimer, was dropped off at the Schneider Regional Medical Center on May 20 at approximately 8:48 p.m. with a gunshot wound. According to the the VIPD's Criminal Investigation Bureau, hospital personnel notified the 911 Call Center upon her arrival. Raimer was pronounced dead before law enforcement arrived on the scene.
An investigation conducted by patrol officers, detectives, and forensic personnel quickly identified Dana Joseph Jr., 35, as the alleged shooter. Joseph, described by police as Raimer’s ex-boyfriend, reportedly dropped her off at the hospital and then left without speaking to medical staff or authorities.
Authorities arrested Joseph just hours later, at approximately 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday, and charged him with first-degree murder (domestic violence), along with several additional charges: first-degree assault (DV), third-degree assault (DV), and unauthorized use of a firearm during a crime of violence. He is being held without bail and has been turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending his Advice of Rights hearing.
The case is being actively investigated. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting the VIPD at (340) 774-2211, the Major Crimes Unit at (340) 714-9804, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1 (800) 222-8477 or 911.
