One man died of gunshot wounds and a second was injured in a St. Croix shooting on the Queen Mary Highway Sunday.
The shooting was reported about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, police said in a statement. But they did not release the names of either victim; Police Department spokesman Melody Rames could not be reached for comment.
According to the statement, when police arrived on the scene a maroon Toyota was stopped facing east on Queen Mary Highway at the East Airport Road stoplight. The deceased victim, a man in his late 20s or early 30s, was on the driver’s side of the Toyota.
Several bullet holes were seen on the vehicle. Emergency medical technicians at the scene said the victim had no vital signs.
Police were told a second person was in the vehicle’s front passenger seat when the shots were fired. That person, a male, was taken to Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.
Police said an unidentified vehicle, traveling east on the same road, approached the Toyota from behind, passing it on the right side. As the vehicle passed, shots were fired at the Toyota, striking the two occupants.
St. Croix Chief of Police Christopher Howell emphasized that “these recent shootings are not random acts of violence and robbery is not believed to be a motive.” He said detectives are investigating the similarities and connections among recent criminal acts that seem to have common threads.
Howell reminded the public that their assistance can be vital to solving criminal cases and getting the perpetrators off the streets. Those with any information regarding this case or any other crime call 712-6077, 712-6037 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222 8477.
