Jan. 29, 2003 – A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Albion Dee Frett, who is being sought in connection with the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Richard Baptiste.
Baptiste, a Corrections Bureau employee moonlighting as a security guard, was shot around 11 p.m. on Jan. 10 as he was picking up the night's receipts at the Market Square East cinema complex on St. Thomas. (See "Year's first killing is of security guard.") He died several hours later at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
By Sunday, Jan. 12 police announced they were seeking the 22-year-old Frett. ( See "Man sought in connection with guard's slaying.")
Investigators have said they believed Frett may have been driving a red Honda sedan in the vicinity of the Caribbean Cinemas multiplex near around midnight Jan. 11 when the shooting occurred.
Frett is described as being between 5 feet 6 and 5 feet 9 inches tall, about 155 pounds, and of dark complexion with short locks.
Police are also seeking a .380-caliber handgun that may have been taken from the shooting victim.
The reward is being offered in a joint effort between the V.I. Police Department and the Attorney General's Office, according to a release from Franz Christian, Police commissioner.
Christian said any calls and information received would remain confidential.
Persons with information about Frett's whereabouts are asked to call the major crime unit at 715-5546, the Crime Line at 777-8711 or emergency 911.
