June 16, 2005 – Friends and family of the two men who were gunned down early Wednesday morning gathered Thursday night at the site where 24-year old Tristan A. Charlier and 25-year old Leon H. Roberts died. (See "Police Identify Slain New Yorkers, Continue Investigation").
Three bouquets of pink, white and red roses were tied to the branches of the tree growing next the Veterans Drive bus stop where Charlier and Roberts were found fatally wounded at 2:29 a.m.
Large votive candles surround the tree trunk and two white t-shirts with crosses reading RIP – one bearing Tristan's name, one for "Bugsy" Roberts – were strung between the upper tree branches. Messages of love and remembrance were written in black on the t-shirts.
For Tristan: "Best nephew, Uncle Bruce," "I know God will take care of you in his Kingdom," and on Leon's shirt, "I will always have you in my heart," "We love you very much, you will be missed greatly. "
Leon's sister, Samantha Roberts, calmly asked for anyone in the community who might have information about the double homicide to please help. "If anybody has any information," Samantha said, "the families would appreciate them coming forward."
Charlier and Roberts had come to St. Thomas to attend the wedding of a college friend of Saman Charlier, Tristan's brother, according to Saman's girlfriend Erica Gomez.
The wedding was to take place on Saturday.
Tristan and Saman's mother was also at the memorial site Thursday night.
"I have a million questions," Samantha Roberts said. "We just want to know what happened."
Police officials said earlier in the day they had no motive or suspects in the homicides that have left the community shocked and saddened. But the investigation has been swift, intense and thorough according to sources in the department.
On Thursday afternoon the police released the results of the autopsy report. Both of the young men died of gunshot wounds.
The small group gathered Thursday night were remarkably composed. They were forthcoming and expressed gratitude for the help they had received from the police.
But several admitted to being tired. "It's been a long day," Samantha Roberts said.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Major Crime Unit at 340-715-5546, or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-715-5522, or 715-5534. Information may also be given at 911 or the Crime Hotline at 340-777-8771.
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