Nov. 20, 2006 — St. Croix recorded its 17th homicide for the year with the weekend killing of a 28-year-old Estate Barren Spot man.
Hector Velasquez was gunned down in the early morning hours Saturday while standing at a gas station in the Sunny Isle area, police spokeswoman Shawna Richards said Monday.
Someone shot Velasquez as he talked on his cell phone, Richards said, adding that gunshots were reported at 12:37 a.m. Saturday to 911 Center. Responding officers found Velasquez's bullet-riddled body. He was rushed to Luis Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after 1 a.m., Richards said.
"Police are investigating reports that a vehicle was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed shortly after the shooting," she said.
Witnesses could not give police a description of the vehicle, according to Richards.
Velasquez's killing comes about a month after the Oct. 21 killing of Julius Cupid in the Aureo Diaz housing community. Cupid, 20, was shot to death following an argument, police said. Five days later, following a manhunt, police arrested Randy "Asha" Burke, 27, of the same housing community and charged him with Cupid's killing. Such quick arrests happen with the help of witnesses who do not hesitate to come forward to help, police say.
Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information, no matter how insignificant, to contact them, Richards said. If you have information in this case, please call 911 or 778-4950.
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