Mugshot of Ta’Jhanique Cumberbatch Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Ta’Jhanique Cumberbatch, 22 of Estate Besty’s Jewel, was arrested in connection with the homicide of Ian Benjamin that occurred in Estate Carlton. He was a member of the Virgin Islands National Guard.
Sean Santos Sr., deputy chief of police for the St. Croix District, made the announcement of the arrest during a press briefing on Friday afternoon. Ms. Cumberbatch was unable to post bail of $1 million and was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending her advisement hearing.
When questioned by the Consortium on whether the female suspect was arrested for committing the homicide, Mr. Santos said, “We cannot disclose that information; she has involvement." The Consortium followed up by asking whether anyone else was involved, Mr. Santos said, “There are some other persons of interests in this case.”
Mr. Santos also provided an update on the other shootings that have taken place on St. Croix this year. “In regards to the other homicides of 2021, we do have a number of persons of interest regarding the cases and should see solvability in short order,” he said. Those investigations are ongoing, hence limiting the amount of information that can be shared by the department.
Ms. Santos also expressed condolences. “On behalf of the Virgin Islands Police Department, we would like to express our deepest sympathies for those who have lost a family member due to gun violence here in the territory.”
Toby Derima, V.I.P.D. public relations officer, reminded citizens to share information that they may have about these incidents by calling the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 340 778-2111, the Crime Tipline (340) 778-4950 or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-8477 (TIPS).
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