Nov. 19, 2001 — A 28-year-old woman was shot and killed Saturday on St. Croix by her ex-boyfriend, the third homicide in the territory in a week.
Maria Victoria Santos, the mother of three children, was shot and killed by David Madina in her Marley Housing Project apartment at about 2 p.m. following an argument, according to V.I. Police Lt. Gregory Bennerson.
Bennerson said that the 911 system received several calls about a shot fired in Building
Eight in Marley. Patrol officers arrived within minutes, he said, and saw Madina running from the scene carrying a firearm. He was chased down and arrested.
Upon further investigation and with the help of several witnesses, officers discovered Santos dead of a single gunshot wound in her apartment. The couple reportedly had been arguing the day before, which continued on into Saturday, Bennerson said.
Santos’ murder was the third last week in the territory and the second on St. Croix. On Tuesday, Leander Smith Jr., 32, was shot and killed on St. Croix by three masked men.
Police have few clues in the homicide. On Monday, Marlon Lambertis was shot and killed on St. Thomas. Jamal "Tugboat" Stevens, 19, was arrested on Thursday and charged with the first-degree murder.
Santos’ homicide was the 22nd this year in the territory and the 11th on St. Croix.
Bennerson said Madina was charged with first-degree murder and is being held on $1 million bail.
