Two men were shot to death outside a Tortola nightclub just after midnight Friday night, a rarity in the British Virgin Islands that elicited responses from the governor and police commissioner, police said Monday.
Alix Montero Hernandez, 44, of Fahie Hill, and Amancio Vasquez Ramirez, 33, of Sea Cows Bay, were gunned down outside a Huntums Ghut bar, representatives of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force said. The killings were announced as murders.
Both men were citizens of the Dominican Republic, police said.
Their deaths marked the second and third homicides in the British overseas territory in 2024 following the March killing of attorney Jamal Smith, also on Tortola. Investigators were still seeking motives and suspects in both cases, said Akia Thomas-Nero, a police spokesperson.
By contrast, the U.S. Virgin Islands recorded its third homicide Feb. 14 and its 11th April 28. The USVI recorded 37 homicides in 2023.
Police planned to ramp up their presence in the Huntums Ghut area of Road Town, Thomas-Nero said.
“Residents can expect to see more officers conducting house-to-house visits as part of the Force’s commitment to ensuring public safety,” she said in a written statement.
Gov. Daniel Pruce went to the crime scene and urged any witnesses to come forward.
“This is terrible news. My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims,” Pruce said. “I ask anyone with any information to contact the police as they take forward their investigation.”
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims in this tragic incident. We understand the pain and grief this has caused, and the RVIPF is fully committed to doing everything possible to solve this crime and bring those responsible to justice. We are dedicated to restoring a sense of safety and security in our community.”
Police sought any clues in the Friday killings, saying even small pieces of information could prove vital.
“Regardless of how seemingly insignificant, every piece of information could advance the ongoing investigation. All information will be kept confidential,” Thomas-Nero wrote.
