Oct. 19, 2002 – Another homicide victim was added to the list as a St. Croix man succumbed to gunshot wounds after a friend rushed him to Juan F. Luis Hospital at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday night, which brings the territory’s number to 35 incidents in 2002.
Julio Rivera, 19, of Estate Humbug, died around 1:30 a.m. of a gunshot wound to the back that exited the chest. According to Lt. Greg Bennerson of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the victim was still alive and underwent emergency surgery, but did not recover from his injury.
Though numerous calls were received from residents reporting that gunshots rang out in their community, police said no witnesses have come forward with information on the incident, which took place in the Paradise housing community where the shooting is believed to have taken place.
Deputy Chief Angel Santos said that at this time the victim’s friend has indicated not being present at the scene of the shooting.
Bennerson is asking the public to come forward with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation by calling 778-2211 or 911.
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