VIPD detectives and officers respond to the Bovoni Housing Community, where three males were injured by gunfire. 26-year-old Bertstrand Gilkes, Jr. died from his injuries a short time later. Photo Credit: VIPD
ST. THOMAS — A gunbattle in Bovoni, St. Thomas this afternoon left two men injured and one dead, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima has announced. The incident was the second death in St. Thomas in less than 24 hours, and the fifth in just over a week.
Mr. Derima said that today at approximately 3:11 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received calls that shots were fired in the Bovoni Housing Community. Officers traveled to the area, where they learned that three males sustained gunshot wounds. Two of the victims were transported to the Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center by private vehicle for treatment, and the other was transported to the hospital via ambulance.
One of the victims, identified by next of kin as 26-year-old Bertstrand Gilkes, Jr., subsequently succumbed to his injuries. The other two victims are in stable condition.
This incident is under investigation. Anyone having information regarding this crime is asked to call 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 extension 5569 or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS.
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