Scene of Wednesday afternoon shooting on Mahogany Road in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
ST. CROIX — The V.I. Police Department is investigating the discovery of an unresponsive male found in the Mahogany Road area of Frederiksted on Wednesday, with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The incident was reported to the 911 Emergency Call Center at approximately 1:46 p.m., leading to an immediate response from the VIPD and V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS).
According to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, upon arrival, responders located a Black male with gunshot wounds to the head. Medical personnel on the scene determined that the individual showed no signs of life. Mr. Dratte said the victim has not yet been identified, and St. Croix Chief of Detectives, Police Commander Naomi Joseph has released a video asking the community for assistance.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the deceased. Anyone who is missing a loved one or has information about a missing family member is encouraged to contact the CIB Tipline at (340) 778-2211, visit the nearest police station, or call 911.
This incident marks the 40th homicide in the territory for 2024. Of these, 19 homicides have occurred on St. Croix, while 21 have been recorded on St. Thomas. The incident follows Tuesday night's shooting on Peter's Farm Road in Christiansted, which claimed the life of 33-year-old Angel Casanova of Estate Friedensthal.
Police continue to urge community members to assist with information to bring closure to the victim's family and advance the ongoing investigation.
