August 22, 2004- St. Croix police are investigating the death of a 62-year-old man whose body was found in a Long Reef apartment Friday night. At the present they are classifying it as a homicide.
The unidentified victim was found in a pool of blood near the front door of the apartment in Orange Grove about 24 hours after he was last seen. Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Hannah said the Caucasian male was found slumped over with an apparent injury to the head. Investigators found stains from splattered blood on a wall in the apartment. Hannah said a neighbor told police he was mopping his first-floor apartment when he noted a red substance staining the patio. Hannah said, "The neighbor cleaned the area, but discovered more of the substance falling in the same spot." The neighbor notified police who found the man's body near the doorway of the condo unit.
Police are awaiting forensics test results before determining whether the case is one of murder, authorities said. The death would become the 24th murder in the territory this year.
Residents are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureaus in St. Croix at 778-2211, Extension 4531, 4535 or 911 if they have any information concerning this incident. A reward may be given for information.
In another Friday police incident, a stabbing victim has been arrested on illegal weapons charges.
Police authorities said Saturday Tiwange Ballentine, 19, of Estate Belvedere suffered a stab wound to the head during a fight that broke out near Junior’s Jewelry in Sunny Isle. Ballentine was one of six men involved in the fight. After being transported to the Luis Hospital for treatment, Ballentine was arrested on weapons charges. He was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Hannah said three other individuals were arrested in connection with the fight and stabbing incident, each was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Pernell Towers, 18 of Estate Richmond; Andre Castillo, 20 of the Marley Housing Community and Damian Doward, 30 of Hogensberg were all charged and placed on $25,000 bail each.
In lieu of bail, all were remanded to the Golden Grove Correctional Facility.
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