The Estate La Grange shooting left a woman, 66, dead. Photo Credit: TOBY DERIMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
The V.I. Police Department has revealed the identities of the four people who died during shootings that occurred late Saturday night and during the wee hours of Sunday morning. The incidents — which also left the seven victims who survived injured — shocked the USVI community, and culminated with a V.I.P.D. press conference that included police officials, the interim CEO of the Juan F. Luis Hospital, which at one point treated 9 victims simultaneously, and Crime Stoppers USVI. Our full coverage is here.
There was a 12th shooting incident Sunday after 7:00 a.m. in Mon Bijou, which left one man injured.
Victims identified
The Corner Pocket shooting, where six people were shot Saturday night
Deceased victim: Dujuan Tyson, age 23.
One other victim is believed to be in critical condition with little hope of surviving, said Naomi Joseph, police lieutenant.
La Grange home invasion, Saturday night
The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Elsi Ruiz. According to Lt. Joseph, the victim's children came home to find their mother in a pool of blood. A motive was not revealed.
Frederiksted Vegetable Market shooting, wee hours of Sunday morning
The victims have been identified as 49-year-old Johnny Martinez, who died on the scene, and 47-year-old David Clouden, who died at the hospital.
Statement from Congresswoman
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett late Sunday issued a statement on the violent incidents, and revealed that her family, too, was among those grieving for a loved one. Ms. Plaskett also highlighted the lack of opportunities for young Virgin Islanders, which she said contributes to the ongoing violence.
Ms. Plaskett said, “I am beyond disheartened to hear of the unusually large number of shootings on St. Croix over this past weekend, and the deaths and injuries caused as a result. The violence in our territory has been steadily increasing, especially in the past few years. If we are going to address this problem effectively, we must recognize and accept that this is not just about guns and crime, it’s about the lack of opportunity for our young people, especially our young men, along with the issues of drug trafficking and the breakdown of our traditional morals.
“I understand the pain, disillusionment and anger felt by the loved ones and friends of the individuals who lost their lives over this past weekend. Our own family is in mourning for the loss of one of the brothers lost this weekend. My love and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the individuals who are no longer with us due to gun violence.”
Advertisements
