An older mugshot of Renique Francis. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — Renique Francis is facing third-degree assault and weapons charges after police said surveillance video and eyewitness accounts linked her to the stabbing of a woman near Kronprindsen Gade late Monday night.
Francis was arrested after officers found her playing dominoes in Simmonds Alley. Police said blood was visible on her pants, and bystanders subsequently identified her as the person who stabbed the other woman.
The incident was first reported to a patrol officer by a passerby. When the officer arrived, he found a woman suffering from a stab wound to her back.
The injured woman was transported to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital for treatment.
Bystanders directed the officer toward Simmonds Alley and described the suspect as someone who “frequently causes issues in the area,” according to police. Based on the physical description provided, officers identified Ms. Francis as the suspected assailant.
Police entered the alley and found Ms. Francis seated at a domino table and participating in a game. After officers asked her to stand, they reportedly noticed blood on her pants.
Francis was escorted back to the area where the stabbing occurred and positively identified by bystanders. She was then arrested and transported to the Richard Callwood Command police station.
Victim Says She Felt Two Sharp Pains
Police later interviewed the victim at the hospital while she was receiving treatment.
The woman said she had been sitting outside a bar and talking with friends when Francis approached and offered what was described as a friendly hand gesture.
The victim said she declined to participate. When she stood to enter the bar, she felt a sharp pain in her lower back twice.
After members of the group realized that she had been stabbed, they transported her to the hospital.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Francis stabbing the woman in the back before fleeing toward Simmonds Alley.
Police also collected eyewitness statements indicating that Ms. Francis had been seen holding a black pocket knife before the stabbing.
Francis was charged with third-degree assault, carrying or using a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence, and disturbance of the peace.
She was remanded into custody pending an advice-of-rights hearing, which court records indicate was held Wednesday before Magistrate Julie Smith Todman.
Information regarding the outcome of the hearing had not been made available to the public as of press time.
Ms. Francis is scheduled to return to court on July 31.
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