Mugshot of Jamisha Bethelmie. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — Early on Christmas Eve morning, police were called to a disturbance at a residence in Catherine’s Rest, St. Croix. The incident involved a woman, Jamisha Bethelmie, who is now facing multiple charges including assault and property destruction.
The complainant, Bethelmie's cousin, reported to the police that he was confronted by her just moments after arriving home around 4:15 am. He claimed Bethelmie began cursing at him, and despite his attempts to ignore her and enter his apartment, she persisted, knocking on his door and making death threats.
According to court documents, the situation escalated when he heard loud banging noises outside. Upon inspection, he discovered Bethelmie had damaged his vehicle and left a broken knife, along with liquid soap spread across his front door and porch. When he tried to confront her about the incident, she did not respond, prompting him to call 911.
Officers observed significant damage to the man’s vehicle, including dents, scratches, and holes that appeared to be knife-inflicted. They also noted the remnants of the confrontation, including the broken knife and orange liquid at the scene. Attempts to contact Bethelmie at the time were unsuccessful.
Later, the man provided additional information, stating that the altercation had begun inside his apartment. He claimed that Bethelmie had tried to break into his bedroom, eventually threatening him with a knife to his temple. He managed to disarm her, but she allegedly returned with another knife and stabbed his bedroom door several times.
A wanted poster was issued for Bethelmie, who initially avoided contact with the police. On January 4, she called the police station but hung up when asked to come in for a statement. She eventually turned herself in on January 11, denying all allegations.
Despite her denial, Bethelmie was arrested and charged with third-degree assault, destruction of property as crimes of domestic violence, and brandishing a deadly weapon. She was remanded into custody awaiting her first court appearance.
During a court hearing on Friday, Magistrate Ernest Morris Jr. set Bethelmie's bail at $15,000. He allowed a cash payment of $1501 to secure her release. Her next scheduled court appearance is on January 31.
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